News & Impact

More women in management drives decline in gender pay gap, but number of women on boards remains static

30 Nov 2023

Australia’s gender pay gap has dropped to an all-time low, but the number of women on boards remains static 

ASIC sets out basic practices for companies to manage cyber security

27 Nov 2023

​In November 2023 ASIC released its report ‘Spotlight on Cyber: Findings and insights from the Cyber Pulse Survey 2023’ summarising trends and findings from the cyber pulse survey and identifying areas for improvement, highlighting practical examples of better practices for organisations to adopt. Holding Redlich’s data and privacy law experts Lyn NIcholson and Claire Giugni explain what the report means for organisations and their cyber security obligations.

How Women Improve Decision-Making on Boards

27 Nov 2023

Women directors come to board meetings well prepared, are more likely to ask in-depth questions and help improve the quality of discussion. That’s according to a US study of men and women directors at more than 200 publicly traded companies on the major stock exchanges in the US and Europe. The results provide key insights on how the presence of women influences boards, write Margarethe Wiersema and Marie Louise Mors in this Harvard Business Review article.

Optus outage blame game: Claire Braund on Kelly Bayer Rosmarin's resignation

27 Nov 2023

Is there less of a tolerance for failure for women at the top than there is for men? In the wake of former Optus CEO’s Kelly Bayer Rosmarin’s resignation from the telco following a nationwide outage that took down phone and internet services for 14 hours, Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund spoke with ABC Canberra Radio’s James Vyver about the blame culture around CEOs following a crisis and asks, do we treat our male and female CEOs differently?

Dr Morley Muse: To be innovative we need to be inclusive

20 Nov 2023

Expand your network, look broadly and embrace differences. This is renewable energy engineer and gender equity advocate Dr Morley Muse’s plea to directors and board chairs. In a recent interview with WOB’s Cultural Diversity Committee member Gloria Yuen, Morley outlines her vision to help achieve gender equity in STEM in Australia, and shares her tips for culturally diverse women in business and the boardroom.

ASTRO 3D breakthrough for women in astronomy

20 Nov 2023

A national Australian research centre has achieved gender parity in just five years, all while discovering how the Universe evolved, how galaxies form, and where the elements come from.

Australian workers face a ‘part-time promotion cliff’

15 Nov 2023

A ‘part-time promotion cliff’ is limiting career progression for Australians who work part-time, or want or need to move to part-time work, according to new analysis released by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

'Rock star' line-up for WOB Members' Christmas Luncheon series

15 Nov 2023

A who’s who of “rock star” Chairs, NEDs and industry leaders have lined up to speak at the Women on Boards’ Members Christmas Luncheon events taking place across the country from 30 November.

Crisis Preparedness and Effective Communications: Lessons from the Optus Outage

13 Nov 2023

Last week’s Optus outage was a clear example of the critical importance of crisis preparedness. Utility companies should anticipate, prepare for, and rehearse their response to high-probability scenarios like this one, or they will be putting themselves at risk of significant reputational damage, writes FTI Consulting's Senior Law Managing Director, Renée Law.

Sustainability strategy and meeting your climate reporting requirements 

13 Nov 2023

At a recent event, BDO Australia invited a panel for a topical discussion on ‘Mandatory climate reporting & decarbonisation strategies’. Here, BDO shares the key themes and takeaways from the event. 

Grant Thornton hosts gender pay gap Q&A with WGEA's Mary Wooldridge

13 Nov 2023

Women on Boards corporate partner, Grant Thornton, was recently joined by Hon Mary Wooldridge, CEO of WGEA, who shared invaluable insights on the recent legislative changes affecting gender equality reporting to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

Meet PCM presenters & mentors Sheena Wilson, Gillian McFee and Mariette Rups-Donnelly

13 Nov 2023

Are you taking a strategic approach to career management? Do you know how to map out your ‘plan on a page?’  Are you making emotional connections in your presentations? If not, these Women on Boards’ Personal Career Management presenters and mentors want to hear from you.

Cut your teeth on government boards

08 Nov 2023

Women on Boards has always been a strong advocate for women adding a government board or committee to their portfolio as an excellent way to gain perspective and expand their director network.

Words at word: Should we use CALD or CARM?

06 Nov 2023

Inclusive language is ever-changing. Should organisations use the term culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)? Should we use both descriptors or something different? 

Board diversity 'driven by political correctness': PwC report

06 Nov 2023

Directors in the US see the value in board diversity but say the issue has become politicised. This is one of the findings from PwC’s 2023 Annual Corporate Directors Survey which also found there is a 'gender disconnect' on ESG issues.

Belinda Howell to step down from WOB’s Cultural Diversity Committee - in interests of good governance

06 Nov 2023

"Don’t overlook the importance of allies." That’s the message from WOB Cultural Diversity Committee founding member, Belinda Howell, who has announced she is stepping down from the committee after just over three years in the role in the interests of good governance and to create a space for someone else to be part of the movement. 

Decline in boardroom diversity in UK last year: report

30 Oct 2023

The proportion of first-time, female and culturally diverse candidates appointed as non-executive directors by the UK’s largest listed companies dropped sharply last year, a new survey has revealed.

Be resilient and curious: NED Philippa Taylor shares her tips with WOB

30 Oct 2023

Experienced NED Philippa Taylor was WOB’s special guest at the Melbourne Director Lunch last week where she shared her inspiring story with our Victorian members.

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25 Oct 2023

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WOBSX Ruth Medd syndicate to start in Sydney

23 Oct 2023

Fourteen women have been selected as part of Women on Boards’ WOBSX Ruth Medd Syndicate cohort which kicks off this Wednesday in Sydney under the guidance of Chair and experienced ASX Director Robyn Stubbs

Paid parental leave reform in sights of Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce

23 Oct 2023

A full year of paid parental leave and no activity test on childcare subsidies are among new recommendations handed to the federal government by an independent taskforce.

Grant Thornton, Mary Wooldridge on new gender pay gap reporting legislation

23 Oct 2023

Grant Thornton is hosting a panel discussion in Melbourne on 2 November with Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) CEO Mary Wooldridge where she will be explaining the the new gender pay gap reporting requirements for Australian employers.

Five Reasons to Offer an Employee Share Purchase Plan

23 Oct 2023

What is an employee share purchase plan? And how can this help attract and retain employees? In this article, Computershare outlines the five reasons an ESPP can help your organisation.

Claire Braund’s outback road trip with Jessica Rowe and Phoebe Lane

16 Oct 2023

WOB Executive Director, Claire Braund, took a road trip to the NSW central west town of Condoblin with Spring Ridge farmer and founder of PKL Recruitment, Phoebe Lane, and the journalist, bestselling author, broadcaster, muber and proud Crap Housewife, Jessica Rowe.

Helen Wiseman wows at Clayton Utz lunch following LinkedIn workshop

16 Oct 2023

International chair, non-executive director and audit committee specialist, Helen Wiseman, wowed the guests at the WOB Director Lunch at Clayton Utz in Sydney last week, with her trademark wit, dry humour and some great stories.

Why I voted ‘Yes’ and why Australia ‘always gets it right’

16 Oct 2023

On the weekend I voted ‘Yes’ in the referendum on The Voice. This was not because I was influenced by my bank, airline or membership organisation taking a position ahead of the vote, but for deeply personal reasons. 

Claudia Goldin wins 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics for examining gender pay gap

12 Oct 2023

Sidelined no longer, Claudia Goldin has won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics for examining why gender pay gaps persist, writes RMIT University's Leonora Risse.

Everything directors and boards need to know about Generative AI

12 Oct 2023

A guide to help directors and boards consider the impact of generative AI on their organisations has been launched by The Governance Institute.

Most Australian board members feel ill-equipped for cyber attacks

12 Oct 2023

After a tumultuous year for cybersecurity, the topic of cyber risk is prevalent in Australian boardrooms. But, despite prioritising cybersecurity more—and despite making investments in it—most board members feel unprepared for cyber attacks, new research shows - writes Proofpoint's Jennifer Cheng.

From music to Major League Baseball - Elizabeth W Scott takes to the stage on the Central Coast

09 Oct 2023

A record crowd of Central Coast WOB members gathered in the heritage building of Central Coast Conservatorium of Music to hear Vice President Elizabeth W Scott share her fascinating insights into her executive and board career from performing arts to major league baseball and beyond. 

Non-Executive Director Pay: Aligning Expectations with Reality

04 Oct 2023

The world of non-executive directorships is a topic that often sparks curiosity and debate. Questions like whether NEDs should be paid, how much they should earn, and what form their remuneration should take frequently arise. For those eyeing a NED position with visions of matching their executive-level income, it might be time to recalibrate expectations, writes Women on Boards Non-Executive Director Mary-Sue Rogers.

WOB members elected AICD Divisonal Councils

02 Oct 2023

Women on Boards extends its congratulations to its members who have been elected to AICD Divisional Councils, following the election on 21 September. 

 

Economic empowerment key message for International Women’s Day 2024

28 Sep 2023

UN Women Australia has today announced the theme for International Women’s Day 2024, ‘Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment’.

Natasha Stott Despoja AO speaking at NFAW Press Club event in Canberra

28 Sep 2023

Australian politician, diplomat, equality advocate and author Natasha Stott Despoja AO will be speaking at the 2023 National Foundation for Australian Women in Canberra on November 14.

Women leaders discuss social, economic equity at Vinnies' Rosalie Rendu Forum

28 Sep 2023

Eminent women leaders in social and economic equality are coming together for the Vinnies NSW's annual Rosalie Rendu Forum in Sydney on 19 October.

Women from diverse backgrounds still face leadership barriers

28 Sep 2023

The role of intersectionality in the advancement of women to senior leadership roles has been thrown into the spotlight thanks to a new Melbourne study.

Who are the chairs of Australia’s top public companies?

25 Sep 2023

While diversity has increased on the boards of Australian companies, in the ASX50 the Chair role is still predominantly held by men. As businesses continue to navigate a volatile future along with new demands and considerations for boards, organisations can benefit from increased diversity at Chair level and from rethinking their succession planning approach to reflect multiple scenarios and time horizons.

Sheena Wilson elected first female Chair of Herron Todd White

25 Sep 2023

Women on Boards Chair Sheena Wilson has been elected as the first female Chair of Herron Todd White - one of Australia's largest independent property valuation firms. 

HESTA issues blunt warning to ASX 300 on gender equality and climate ahead of AGM season

25 Sep 2023

Super fund HESTA has warned the largest listed companies it intends to vote against male directors of boards with low female representation.

AI, data breaches top ethical challenges of 2023

18 Sep 2023

Cybersecurity, the increasing use of AI and the cost of living are the top ethical challenges of 2023 according to the Governance Institute’s nationwide ethics survey with nearly three quarters of respondents saying there’s an urgent obligation for customers to be notified at all data breaches.

WOB in Canberra for 2023 AgriFutures National Rural Women Awards

18 Sep 2023

Women on Boards congratulates Glenmore-based flower farmer and tech entrepreneur Nikki Davey who has been named 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner for her work in creating a digital platform and app connecting flower farmers and consumers, globally.

Gender Compass here but we still need to navigate roadblocks

18 Sep 2023

Australians' attitudes toward gender equality have been revealed in a new study, which researchers say is a wake-up call for the country.

More females on ASX300 boards but leadership roles lag

11 Sep 2023

A landmark study of public company directors in Australia has revealed that ASX300 boards have a greater proportion of independent and female directors than ever before but remain dominated by male chairs and CEOs.

Directors share insights at Women on Boards lunches

07 Sep 2023

Sit down with leading directors as they share their advice and insights at Women on Boards’ Director Lunches series in October. From governance and audit committee experts and an engineering executive to a chartered accountant and board advisor, WOB’s guest speakers have a wealth of knowledge as NEDs, Chairs and committee members in fields of mining, director recruitment, ASX boards and international corporations.

Dr Anna Cody commences as new Sex Discrimination Commissioner

04 Sep 2023

Australia's new Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody, is looking forward to focusing on the lived experience of First Nations women and girls and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as she starts her first day on the job.
 

Impact of pelvic pain on women and economy 'vastly underestimated'

04 Sep 2023

One in two Australian women have experienced pelvic pain in the last five years according to new research, with half of those living with symptoms saying the condition has affected their capacity to work.

The role of innovation in nonprofit boards: Research takes PhD candidate Sarah Richardson from Queensland to Oxford

04 Sep 2023

Longtime WOBer Sarah Richardson FAICD FGIA FAMI is on the home stretch of her PhD on nonprofit innovation governance. With national and international conference presentations under her belt, along with two published journal papers and a third under review, she took time out to update Women on Boards co-founder Claire Braund on her topic interest and PhD rationale.

Face-to-face masterclass: Your LinkedIn Makeover

04 Sep 2023

Women on Boards’ new face-to-face Masterclass Your LinkedIn Makeover' with LinkedIn masters Karen Tisdell and Karen Hollenbach is coming to five cities across Australia in October.

The Referendum | It’s a Personal Choice

04 Sep 2023

Statement from the WOB Board – 4 September 2023

Believe in yourself and your strengths: Mahjabeen Zaman's message to CALD women leaders 

28 Aug 2023

Embracing individuality while taking proactive steps will help culturally diverse women succeed in board roles. That’s the message from Mahjabeen Zaman, outgoing Chair of WOB’s Cultural Diversity Committee.

WOB welcomes new Cultural Diversity Committee Chair Sara Pantaleo 

28 Aug 2023

Women on Boards welcomes Sara Pantaleo as the new Chair of its Cultural Diversity Committee. In this interview, Italian-born Sara - an inaugural member of the CDC - shares her proudest achievements since stepping on to the committee and her visions for 2024 and beyond. As she says: "I want to ensure every voice is heard, and every idea is considered".

The Intersection of Operational Resilience and Sustainability: Key Takeaways from the GRC Summit

28 Aug 2023

Ansarada attended and presented at the GRC Summit at the Doltone House in Sydney alongside over 200 senior risk, compliance and governance leaders from Australia’s most prominent organisations. Here were the greatest takeaways.

Catherine Ordway: The Women’s World Cup has set the benchmark, now let’s not drop the ball

28 Aug 2023

In this LinkedIn article, WOB Member Catherine Ordway - Sport Integrity Research Lead and Associate Professor at University of Canberra - reflects on the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and why we mustn’t lose momentum. 

Just the beginning: 7 ways the Women’s World Cup can move the dial on women’s sport forever

21 Aug 2023

So, that’s it then. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted on Australian and New Zealand soil for the first time, came to an end on Sunday night as Spain beat England 1-0 in the final, after the Matildas lost 2-0 to Sweden on Saturday to finish fourth, their best ever result, writes Fiona Crawford, Queensland University of Technology.

'Riveting' and 'enthralling': Jacqueline Pascarl OAM wows WOB members

21 Aug 2023

Riveting, enthralling and inspirational - these were just some of the words used by WOB members describe Women on Boards’ guest speaker Jacqueline Pascarl OAM who shared her story and insights at a networking event in Melbourne.

9 tips for interviewing for diversity and inclusion

21 Aug 2023

How can you make your recruitment more inclusive? Diversity Council of Australia has partnered with Jobsbank to develop evidence-based guidelines to help Australian businesses attract, recruit and select a diversity of jobseekers by recruiting inclusively. 

We need to keep talking about the gender pay gap

21 Aug 2023

Thanks to the Matildas and the overwhelming success of the FIFA Women's World Cup everyone's once again talking about the gender pay gap in sport. The topic - often reserved for the financial pages and newsletters such as WOBs - is now kick-starting conversations everywhere - from breakfast talkback shows to local coffee shop catch-ups. 

‘Felt alienated by the men’s game’: how the culture of women’s sport has driven record Matildas viewership

17 Aug 2023

Wednesday night saw the end of the Matildas’ nation-gripping FIFA Women’s World Cup pursuit, losing 3-1 to England in the semi-final in Sydney. While it was an emotional finish to Australia’s exciting run, the match only further highlighted the record-breaking audiences experiencing the fan culture of women’s football, writes Swinburne University of Technology's Kasey Symons and Paul Bowell.

Dame Jacinda Ardern: 'I'm a very ordinary person'

14 Aug 2023

“A very ordinary person, who just happened to be in extraordinary circumstances.” This is how former New Zealand Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern, describes herself when asked to reflect on her six years leading her country through a series of crises - from earthquakes and one of the world’s deadliest mass shootings to a global pandemic. 

Ex-Matilda Moya Dodd and Catherine Ordway on FIFA Gender Equality and Women’s World Cup

14 Aug 2023

With all eyes on the Matildas as they take on England in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup this Wednesday (16 August), a new book offering a critical examination on gender equality and the 2023 WWC is out now.

Survey: Have your say on data governance

14 Aug 2023

The topic of data governance is one that is at the forefront of many directors' concerns. It’s a challenge for boardrooms across the nation as organisations continually evolve their governance frameworks to manage risks and increasing amounts of personal data.

Women on Boards welcomes new corporate member FTI Consulting

14 Aug 2023

Women on Boards is pleased to welcome its newest Corporate Member, independent global advisory firm FTI Consulting.

Claire's Comment: Thank you Matildas

14 Aug 2023

Watching the Matilda’s penalty shoot-out against France on Saturday night reminded me of being in the stands the night Cathy Freeman won the women’s 400m event at the 2000 Olympic Games.

Meet WOB's Tasmanian Rep Bettina Pidcock

10 Aug 2023

Women on Boards is pleased to welcome new Tasmania State Representative Bettina Pidcock. 

Rising to the Board: Q&A with WOB co-founder Claire Braund

07 Aug 2023

Women on Boards co-founder and Executive Director Claire Braund’s tips for women seeking board roles.

Helen Kurincic's board lessons

07 Aug 2023

What can I contribute, and what can I learn? This is what everyone joining a board should ask, according to ASX director Helen Kurincic who was a guest speaker at Women on Boards' Directors Lunch at Clayton Utz in Melbourne on Thursday 3 August.

Supreme Court to welcome first female Indigenous judge Louise Taylor

31 Jul 2023

Kamilaroi woman Louise Taylor has become the first Indigenous female Supreme Court judge in Australia, in what Women on Boards members have described as an historic milestone and monumental moment for our country.

Sit down to Director Lunch with Helen Kurinic, Lynette Mayne AM

31 Jul 2023

Women on Boards’ Director Lunches return to Sydney and Melbourne in August, with guest speakers Helen Kurinic and Lynette Mayne AM.

WOB women on how to challenge a board’s status quo

31 Jul 2023

How do you challenge a board’s status quo? That was the topic up for discussion when WOB COO and Director Nicole Donegan and WOB Member Philippa Taylor GAICD spoke at the Melbourne AICD Director Briefing recently.

Women on Boards welcomes new Cultural Diversity Committee members

24 Jul 2023

Women on Boards welcomes Dr Marilyn Metta and Seema Chauhan to its Cultural Diversity Committee.

Why business leaders need to adopt a ‘risk multiplier mindset’

24 Jul 2023

Business leaders need to focus on more than one risk facing their firm, with the growing amount of hazards being amplified by each other causing greater concern for companies, writes BDO's National Leader for Risk Advisory in Australia, Marita Corbett.

Simplify sustainability with Ansarada's ESG tools 

24 Jul 2023

Are you ready to simplify sustainability? It's time to create clarity in your ESG practices, power up your organisation’s purpose, and uncover new opportunities for strategic growth with Ansarada's ESG tools. 

Michele Bullock set to make history as new RBA Governor

16 Jul 2023

Women on Boards congratulates Michele Bullock who is set to make history as the first woman to lead the Reserve Bank of Australia in its 63-year history.

Hear from directors, leaders at Women on Boards networking events

13 Jul 2023

What do Australia’s Chief Scientist, a sustainability champion, two First Nations leaders and a human rights lobbyist all have in common? They’re all guest speakers at the next series of Women on Boards’ WOBMeet networking events being held around Australia in August.

Pay rises for C-suite execs soar past rate of inflation

13 Jul 2023

Executives at some of Australia’s largest listed companies have recorded average pay rises more than double the rate of inflation over the past year.

Are you aware of your legal responsibilities as a director?

13 Jul 2023

Are you aware of your legal responsibilities as a director? In the complex and fast-changing environment boards find themselves in, company directors must be legally literate.
 

Countdown is on to Equal Pay Day 2023

10 Jul 2023

Organisations are being urged to use their social media platforms and websites to support Equal Pay Day on August 25, 2023. 

Professor Anna Cody named as new Sex Discrimination Commissioner

10 Jul 2023

Congratulations to human rights law expert Professor Anna Cody on her appointment as Australia’s next Sex Discrimination Commissioner. 

How WOB is working to get more diverse women on boards

10 Jul 2023

In this article for Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia, WOB Cultural Diversity Committee member and FECCA Head of Community Engagement and member of the inaugural FECCA Women's Advisory Committee, Malini Raj, talks about how Women on Boards is working to get more diverse women on boards. 

WOB speakers share insights and stories at networking events

03 Jul 2023

From finding a board role that’s right for you to building a board portfolio, experienced directors have shared their insights and personal stories at a series of sell-out Women on Boards networking events in June. 

Gender pay gap lower in commonwealth public service

03 Jul 2023

The gender pay gap between women and men is lower in the commonwealth public service than in the private sector, although it's still a long way from wage parity.

Grant Thornton D&I win for GEN gender equity employment network

03 Jul 2023

Congratulations to Women on Boards corporate partner Grant Thornton Australia which has won the Australian Accounting Awards 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Program/Initiative of the Year for its Gender Equity Network (GEN).

Call for new pathways to improve First Nations representation on boards

29 Jun 2023

Australian boards are still lagging behind on ethnic and cultural diversity but signs point towards growing First Nations representation.

What do new global sustainability standards mean for Australian organisations?

29 Jun 2023

This week the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) released its new global sustainability standards. In this article, BDO’s Global Head of National Resources Sherif Andrawes and BDO ESG and Sustainability expert Aletta Boshoff take a look at the new standards and what they mean for organisations in Australia.

WOB says thank you with Adara donation

23 Jun 2023

Women on Boards is pleased to donate $3300 to The Adara Foundation.  Each year we are fortunate to have access to a range of experienced speakers and presenters who generously donate their time to educate, support and encourage women on their board and leadership journey. 

Junior Chamber of Commerce Brisbane Event

23 Jun 2023

Women on Boards is pleased to partner with the Governance Institute to support the Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce for their annual Journey to the Boardroom event.

WOB Celebrates Members in King's Birthday Honours

13 Jun 2023

The King's Birthday 2023 Honours List recognises and celebrates 1,192 recipients. Notably, for the first time since the Order of Australia was established in 1975, the majority of recipients in the General Division were women. Similarly, there is gender parity or better at the three highest levels in the Order. 

Congratulations to WOBSX Margie Haseltine graduates

08 Jun 2023

Congratulations to the 13 ASX-ready non executive directors who graduated from the WOBSX Margie Haseltine Syndicate led by ASX Non-Executive-Director Zita Peach.

Do you feel included on your board?

08 Jun 2023

Do you want to share your lived experience of being a board member?

On the verge: Preparing for global sustainability standards

07 Jun 2023

With sustainability and climate-related financial reporting set to become mandatory for certain organisations Aletta Boshoff, BDO’s National Leader of both ESG & Sustainability and IFRS & Corporate Reporting, unpacks the state of sustainability reporting in Australia and why organisations must prepare now. 

Diverse line-up of speakers at WOBMeet networking events

01 Jun 2023

From a First Nations leader and global anti-slavery expert to Australia’s first female Crown Solicitor and a ‘decision-making maverick’, Women on Boards is pleased to be hosting a diverse line-up of guest speakers at WOBMeet networking events across the country in June.

The Art of Writing an Executive Summary

01 Jun 2023

I would have written you something shorter but… Writing an executive summary is one of the skills that all employees who have a desire for management should acquire. Unfortunately, in these days of text, ChatGPT, email and Google search (aka cut and paste) the ability to create a compelling, short executive summary is a dying skill, writes Mary-Sue Rogers.

WOB welcomes new MyMentor Manager Catherine Brown

31 May 2023

Women on Boards is pleased to welcome leading HR executive Catherine Brown to head up its MyMentor mentoring program.  

Executive recruitment ‘boys club’ style

29 May 2023

2023 has seen the departure of several CEOs from Australian sporting organisation CEOs - including Rugby Australia, Swimming Australia and Tennis Queensland. In this article, the Governance Institute’s Charles Dane asks is this just another period of turmoil for sports executives in Australia or are there unaddressed systemic cultural issues plaguing sports boardrooms?

7 ways a WOB Corporate Membership can benefit your organisation, board and staff

29 May 2023

Are you having trouble recruiting and retaining staff? Do you want Join the likes of Grant Thornton, McGrathNicol, BDO, Clayton Utz and Computershare and become a Women on Boards Corporate Member. 

Gender Analysis Shows Tax Growth Coming from Women

22 May 2023

Income taxes paid by women are increasing more quickly than taxes paid by men, driving the Budget surplus according to the National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW). 

WOB welcomes ACSI voluntary target becoming 'mandatory' but focus should be 40%

22 May 2023

Women on Boards has welcomed the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors’ decision to move from its 10-year voluntary target of 30% women on ASX300 boards to making this a minimum expectation under the new policy.

First Nations women leaders gather at historic Canberra summit

18 May 2023

Plans for a new dedicated First Nations Gender Justice Institute at the Australian National University have been outlined at an historic summit in Canberra.

LISTEN: Women on Boards’ Claire Braund on new gender pay gap reporting laws

18 May 2023

New laws forcing large businesses to reveal gender pay gaps come into effect early next year. Women on Boards Executive Director, Claire Braund, spoke to ABC News Radio about what this move means for women and business.

Will Twitter’s appointment of CEO Linda Yaccarino pave the way for females in big tech? 

17 May 2023

Elon Musk has chosen Linda Yaccarino to become the next CEO of Twitter, just over six months since his takeover of the social media platform. So will Twitter’s appointment of a woman in the top job pave the way for females in big tech, asks RMIT’s Dr Foula Kopanidis?

Just 1 in 5 employees in the space industry women

17 May 2023

Just 1 in 5 employees in the space industry are women. This lack of diversity is holding us back, writes Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director of ANU's Global Institute for Women's Leadership and Cassandra Steer, Deputy Director of ANU's Institute for Space.

Fiona Jolly’s 10 tips on Crafting a Board Portfolio

15 May 2023

Experienced Chair, NED, CEO and lawyer with significant experience across advertising, media, sport and rural sectors , Fiona Jolly has a diverse experience on boards that oversee everything from residential aged care and radiation to cemeteries and stationery supplies.

Federal Budget 2023: WOB partners share insights

15 May 2023

The Government had three priorities in the 2023 Federal Budget – cost-of-living relief, growing the economy, and ensuring Australia’s stability against international economic instability. Here WOB partners share their budget insights - looking at issues from women’s economic security and sustainability to the digital economy.

Three questions every board should ask about generative AI

15 May 2023

Businesses waiting to implement a risk mitigation strategy for AI do so at their own peril. In this article Carmine Di Sibio, Global Chairman and CEO, EY, outlines three questions boards should ask of their companies.

Want to join a Board to engage with shareholder advocacy? Here's how

10 May 2023

It’s not just an exciting time to be a shareholder advocate, it’s a critically important time. That is the key message from research and shareholder advocacy organisation, the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR).

Women make history at coronation of King Charles III

08 May 2023

While the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, might have been the producer, director, set advisor and best supporting actor at the weekend coronation of King Charles’ III, there was a clear ascension of women into the cast with a series of notable female firsts.

Pauline Gately - From Glasgow's tenements to ASX micro-cap boards

08 May 2023

The skills required to negotiate childhood in tenement housing in Glasgow are not that different to those needed for serving on the boards of ASX micro-cap companies, according to experienced NED and Chair, Pauline Gately.

New era for WOB Australia as Sheena Wilson appointed Chair

08 May 2023

Women on Boards has appointed experienced Non-Executive Director and business executive, Sheena Wilson, to Chair its Australian board.

Digital divide hits women harder in poorer countries: UNICEF

02 May 2023

Nine out of 10 young women and teenage girls in the world’s poorest countries have no access to the internet according to a UNICEF report.

Sit down to lunch with WOB and Australia’s leading female directors

01 May 2023

From an award-winning journalist and the head of Airbnb in Australia to leading experts in superannuation and mining boards, Women on Boards is inviting you to sit down to lunch with leading female directors throughout May.

Handling whistleblower investigations: Latest tips from ASIC

01 May 2023

Earlier this year Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released a report outlining the dos and don’ts for handling whistleblower investigations. Given the stakes, ASIC’s new guidance is sure to be welcome news for directors and officers of regulated entities. In this article, Holding Redlich's Lyn Nicholson and Clare Giugni take a look at ASIC's tips on how to handle a whistleblower disclosure.

When employers reward ‘ideal’ workers, gender equality suffers

01 May 2023

UK deputy prime minister Dominic Raab recently resigned following the publication of a report into workplace complaints about his conduct, including bullying allegations. But this element of his behaviour wasn’t the only concerning workplace problem highlighted by the report, writes UK researcher , Professor of Work and Organisation at Brunel University London.

Women alienated from STEM careers by entrenched workplace cultures

01 May 2023

Women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths are still fighting an uphill battle in Australian workplaces, despite a spike in girls studying STEM subjects in schools and universities.

Dr Wendy Craik AM to depart RBA board: 'I've learned a great deal'

24 Apr 2023

Outgoing Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board member Dr Wendy Craik AM says she has learnt great deal from her time with the RBA and been presented with many interesting challenges.

Robyn Stubbs to Chair new Ruth Medd WOBSX Sydney syndicate

24 Apr 2023

Women on Boards is pleased to announce its next Sydney WOBSX program will be named after retiring WOB Australia Chair and co-founder, Ruth Medd.

Board success for WOBSX graduates

24 Apr 2023

Congratulations to eight WOBSX graduates on achieving a raft of board roles in 2023.

Vivian Bullwinkel first woman to be honoured with Australian War Memorial statue

24 Apr 2023

A new sculpture of nurse Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel will be the first sculpture of an individual nurse or woman in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial.

WOB director Sheena Wilson on her ‘encore career’

24 Apr 2023

In this recent article by Lucy Dean in the Australian Financial Review - ‘Semi-retirement: Why more people are opting for ‘encore career’, Women on Boards director, Sheena Wilson, talks about transitioning to a portfolio career.

'Interactive, practical and hands-on' Boardroom School offers a fresh perspective

20 Apr 2023

In the ever-changing world of corporate governance - with director obligations increasing - finding a course to help keep up with the dynamic board environment was crucial to experienced NED Rachel de Gruchy.

5 essential qualities of an effective boardroom director

20 Apr 2023

What are the five essential qualities of an effective boardroom director? In this article, The Governance Institute’s Digital Marketing Specialist outlines skills required to contribute effectively as a board member.

Do you have NFP and Government Boards on your horizon?

20 Apr 2023

Throughout May Women on Boards co-founder and director, Claire Braund, will be joined by leaders in the NFP and Government Board sectors who will be sharing their insights and tips at a series of Boards on Your Horizons workshops around the country - from Perth to Brisbane.

From red flags to resilience: How the Boardroom School helped Karen Jaques move on

17 Apr 2023

Signing up for WOB’s The Boardroom School program led to real, practical outcomes for Queensland director Karen Jaques. 

Kate Jenkins: 'She held the line when others would have folded'

13 Apr 2023

Women on Boards acknowledges the contribution of former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins and the lasting impact her work has had on Australian workplaces and communities.

Women in Afghanistan: We must not forget them

13 Apr 2023

Australian aid organisations are calling on the Government to push to overturn a Taliban ban on Afghan females working with the UN amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country - with women and children most at risk.

Board remuneration: Survey sheds light on director pay

13 Apr 2023

Are you a NED, executive director or a company secretary? Your help is needed to shed light on board director remuneration. 

Have your say on nonprofit-innovation governance

05 Apr 2023

Do you want to advance nonprofit-innovation governance? Are you (or were you) a board member of a nonprofit anywhere, of A0.5M revenue/year whose revenue increased during your tenure?

Anne Pleash's Mission possible in flood-ravaged Gulf of Carpentaria

03 Apr 2023

Women on Boards member, and Gulf of Carpentaria resident, Anne Pleash, recently coordinated a delegation to travel to Canberra to lobby for essential infrastructure projects to help recovery and build future resilience in the flood-plagued region - where natural disasters are prone to strike at any time. In this article for WOB, Anne explains the challenges facing the remote outback region and what needs to be done to help Gulf communities. 

Women critical to future of Australia’s cyber security: RMIT report

03 Apr 2023

A new report by RMIT’s Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CCSRI) has highlighted the stark underrepresentation of women in the cybersecurity workforce. 

Claire Braund shares WOB story at The Women's Club

27 Mar 2023

Women on Boards co-founder and Executive Director Claire Braund was a recent special guest speaker at The Women's Club, Sydney.

WOB members connect from Canberra to Cairns

27 Mar 2023

WOB members from ACT to Far North Queensland have been networking at a series of WOBMeets. In Canberra cybersecurity was the hot topic while in Cairns and Mission Beach, Ruth and Claire met our QLD members. 

How does your pitch really come across? Ask the headhunters

27 Mar 2023

What are non-executive recruiters looking for in a board candidate? What do they want to know about you? And how does your ‘pitch’ really come across?

The AI chatbots are here, what does this mean for you?

20 Mar 2023

Organisations must learn to mitigate the risks and leverage the benefits of AI chatbots, writes  Governance Institite Governance Institute of Australia’s Policy and Government Relations Advisor, Charles Dane. 

Gloria Yuen: Why my accent is my superpower

20 Mar 2023

Think of your accent as a superpower. That was one piece of advice from WOB’s Cultural Diversity Committee member Gloria Yuen speaking at a panel on the experiences of Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) women in leadership.

Ruth Medd: The Quiet Disrupter

13 Mar 2023

As Women on Boards co-founder Ruth Medd gets ready to step back from the organisation, she talks about the importance of having a 'can do' attitude and reflects on her 20 years involvement with WOB. 

Clayton Utz recognised as WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality

13 Mar 2023

Clayton Utz has again been recognised as a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) for its demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality in the firm and wider business community.

WOB members pay tribute to 'rock star' Ruth Medd

13 Mar 2023

A rock star, one half of the Sesame Street duo Bert and Ernie and a trailblazing woman of action. Ruth Medd has been described as all these things and more as members shared their fond memories of WOB’s Executive Chair and Co-founder at a gala dinner in her honour in Sydney.

A night to remember as WOB farewells a trailblazer

13 Mar 2023

It was a night to remember at the Tea Rooms in Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building, when close to 100 Women on Boards members gathered to celebrate the achievements of WOB Executive Chair and founding member Ruth Medd last week.

Claire Braund reflects on a wonderful partnership

13 Mar 2023

In this speech by Claire Braund on the occasion of the gala dinner recognising Ruth Medd's contribution to Women on Boards on 9 March 2023, Claire reflects on the 20 years she and Ruth Medd shared at Women on Boards.

Celebrating Canberra’s ‘tour de force’ Marie Coleman at 90

06 Mar 2023

This March Women on Boards celebrates female trailblazers who have contributed to our history in various and meaningful ways for Women's History Month, starting with Canberra 'tour de force' Marie Coleman, on the eve of her 90th birthday.

WOB gets behind Chairs for Change campaign

06 Mar 2023

Women on Boards is getting behind a campaign from the Australian Financial Review and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest girls’ school to remove gender from the title of one of the highest offices in corporate Australia.

Why do board members quit? It could be all down to politics

06 Mar 2023

Are you able to put personal politics aside when it comes to the boardroom? Differing ideologies could be one of the main reasons board members decide to quit when a new CEO is appointed, according to researchers in the US. 

Gloria Yuen to speak at launch of DCA report

06 Mar 2023

Women on Boards Cultural Diversity Committee member Gloria Yuen will be sharing her story at the launch of a new report which shines a light on the experiences of Culturally and Racially Marginalised Women at Work.

Remuneration support up, shareholders push for more ESG reporting

27 Feb 2023

Remuneration at Australia’s largest 300 listed companies received increased shareholder support with 22% fewer companies receiving ‘strikes’ (more than 25% of votes against) according to an annual season review by Computershare.

Want to prevent a cyber attack? Don’t be afraid to ask questions

27 Feb 2023

WOB members from around the country have gained eye-opening insights into cybersecurity for directors at a series of WOBMeet events.

National gender pay gap of 13.3% fraction of the real cost on women

27 Feb 2023

Australia’s national gender pay gap has dropped to 13.3%, the lowest on record and a return to where we were three years ago, but there’s still work to be done.

‘Include the voices who are missing’. Call for greater diversity on International Women’s Day

23 Feb 2023

International Women’s Day is about celebrating all women, so why do a an increasing number of Australian females who say they are being left out of this landmark day?

Cybersecurity and the Board: Is your organisation ready for a cyber incident?

20 Feb 2023

What can organisations do to ensure they have a robust security program in place to prevent, or at the very least prepare, an organisation for a cyber incident? With the increase in breaches hitting Australian organisations, cyber expert and CEO of Morrisec, Dr Sarah Morrison, looks at how boards can navigate the cybersecurity realm.

Homeward Bound CEO Pamela Sutton-Legaud on returning to Antarctica

20 Feb 2023

This November 180 women who are leaders from 25 countries will voyage on two ships to Antarctica to ensure the sustainability of the planet. The women are part of the Homeward Bound global initiative, which was set up to elevate the visibility of women leading with a STEMM background (science, technology, engineering, medicine and maths). 

Rochelle Bauer Bailey named 2023 PCM Scholarship recipient

20 Feb 2023

Congratulations to South-Australian nurse educator Rochelle Bauer Bailey, who has been named the Women on Boards Personal Career Management Scholarship recipient for 2023. 

Tracey Spicer 'cracking the code' at International Women's Day events

20 Feb 2023

Walkley Award-winning journalist, activist and Women on Boards member Tracey Spicer AM, will be interviewing ‘me too’ movement activist Tarana Burke as part of the UN Women Australia’s official 2023 International Women’s Day events.

Eight Respect@Work lessons and tips for boards in 2023

16 Feb 2023

The new Respect@Work laws have placed a greater onus on the actions of leaders to tackle workplace sexual harassment. So what are some insights on the key lessons for senior managers, CEO and directors and advice for board to proactively promote an anti-bullying culture. WOB Executive Director, Claire Braund, shares her eight key lessons and tips to help boards successfully meet the new obligations. Download the paper

Companies with gender pay gaps on notice

13 Feb 2023

Women on Boards has welcomed the introduction of new federal legislation to compel employers of 100 or more people to share wage data so that Australia’s gender pay gap information can be openly published.

Your governance and risk success guide for 2023

13 Feb 2023

With reforms sweeping Australia and the globe, 2023 is set to be a big year for governance and risk professionals - from the Voice to Parliament referendum and ESG reporting to whistleblowing reforms and Respect@Work legistlation. In this article, The Governance Institute outlines five major issues playing out this year and how leaders can successfully prepare for their arrival.

The painful disorder affecting women in the workplace

13 Feb 2023

One in six women living with endometriosis face losing their job due to managing the painful disorder, while one in three are likely to be overlooked for a promotion according to research which interviewed nearly 400 women living with the condition.

WOB gets behind push to protect girls after Türkiye and Syria earthquake

13 Feb 2023

Women on Boards is urging members to support the Australian formed Emergency Action Alliance which is providing aid to families in Türkiye and Syria.

Should you start with a not-for-profit board?

13 Feb 2023

Many Women on Board members ask us ‘if I want establish myself on boards, should I start with a Not-For-Profit (NFP) board? So what is the answer?

Public sector overhaul welcome news, but is everyone on board?

06 Feb 2023

The announcement this week by Finance and Public Service Minister, Katy Gallagher, that the Federal Government will review public sector board appointments to end 'jobs for the mates culture' is welcome news, but will require a significant commitment from the rest of her Ministerial colleagues to turn into reality.

Meet WOB’s State Representatives in 2023

06 Feb 2023

Did you know Women on Boards has a network of experienced representatives around the country, there to help members network, host workshops and be the point of contact for WOB members? 

Cybersecurity - Don’t expect the geeks to do all the heavy lifting

01 Feb 2023

Cyber awareness is the responsibility of all board members. That’s the message from Women on Boards ahead of our WOBMeet cybersecurity series starting this month.

Why we need board diversity to achieve net zero

28 Jan 2023

The global energy crisis is highlighting how important the transition to net zero will be. To minimise volatility, businesses need to act on climate change with greater conviction and the first step is to have more gender and age diverse boards that are better positioned to make the change we need to see, writes WOB UK co-founder and CEO, Fiona Hathorn.

Looking for a board role? Don't rule out New Zealand

28 Jan 2023

Are you a WOB member living in New Zealand, or an Australian-based member looking for a board role over the ditch?

Jacinda Ardern: Great innings. Well played. Classy to the end.

23 Jan 2023

After six years leading the country, NZ PM, Jacinda Ardern has called time, saying she no longer has 'enough in the tank' to lead beyond the next election. 

10 reasons to focus on your Personal Career Management

23 Jan 2023

Do you want to develop your understanding around what counts in managing your career from a strategic perspective, learn how to exercise influence and understand why you need self-awareness and clarity around your career narrative?

'It really worked'. WOB Vacancy Board finds best women for the job

16 Jan 2023

‘We would definitely use the WOB Vacancy Board again’. This resounding endorsement  - from Children’s Book Council Australia - is just one of many positive reviews of our jobs board services which has proved fruitful for many members and organisations since it was launched in 2006.

Paid Roles are ‘The Norm’ on WOB Jobs Board 

16 Jan 2023

The annual review of positions posted to Women on Boards shows that paid board roles available to members in 2022 continues to nudge 70%.

WOB Standard Plan for board vacancies produces more qualified leads

16 Jan 2023

If you are posting a vacancy to the WOB Jobs Board, there is a strong chance of success when it comes to procuring skilled and experienced applicants. Here at WOB we have deep expertise in ‘what sells and what doesn’t’ when it comes to attracting quality candidates to your board.

Unlocking Potential: Addressing the economic participation of migrant and refugee women in Australia

09 Jan 2023

Recognising overseas qualifications and prior learning is needed to help address Australia’s skills shortage while also providing more meaningful career options for migrant and refugee women.

Karen Loon is Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organisations

23 Dec 2022

Lessons from those who smashed the bamboo ceiling  - What can we learn from leaders who have thrived and smashed the ‘bamboo ceiling’? Are there other factors holding organisational change back? These are questions WOB member, WOB Member, NED and former senior Big 4 partner, Karen Loon asks in her book Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organisations

Office hours over the festive season

23 Dec 2022

The Women on Boards Australia office will be closed from Friday, 23 December and will reopen Tuesday 3 January 2023. READ MORE...

2022: WOB's Year in Review

21 Dec 2022

Women on Boards looks back at the people, the moments and the memories of 2022.
 

Upgrade membership and get Board Starter free

21 Dec 2022

Did you know when you become a member of Women on Boards you’re joining a league of extraordinary women?And if you upgrade to our Full or Premium Membership before 27 January 2023, you get access to our Board Starter workshop for FREE - that’s a saving of $165.

Setting yourself up for success in 2023

21 Dec 2022

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the new year and hopefully you have enjoyed a well-earned break - away from Zoom calls, meetings and deadlines. 

Set yourself up for success in 2023

21 Dec 2022

Do you want to know how to get the most from your WOB membership? Then make sure you book into the first Women on Boards' Member Orientation webinar for 2023.

Clearer rules on reporting companies’ climate risks

19 Dec 2022

Until February 17 2023, you can have your say on the government’s plan for standardised company reporting of climate‑related risks, which would start in 2024-25 as Anita Foerster, Monash University's associate professor in the Department of Business Law and Taxation, explains.

A year filled with signs of hope

19 Dec 2022

As we head into Christmas and the great Australian summer break, there is a sense of relief that we can all take a well-earned rest.

Hue knew: Allegra Spender on the secret behind her teal suit

19 Dec 2022

Teal is Macquarie Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2022 - as a nod to the independent candidates including Allegra Spender who were elected in historic victories at the federal election.

What do the new Respect@Work laws mean for your organisation?

15 Dec 2022

The Respect@Work laws set a new gold standard for tackling workplace sexual harassment – and place significant onus on leaders’ actions. So what are the insights on key lessons for senior managers, CEOs and directors with the passing of these new laws, and what can boards do to ensure they are proactively promoting an anti-bullying culture?

Have we got news for you! WOB’s top stories in 2022

15 Dec 2022

From the former British Prime Minister Theresa May sitting down to lunch with Women on Boards to our tribute to Her Majesty the Queen following her death, the WOB team has been hard at work bringing members all the news and views they need throughout 2022. 

WOB's got talent! Members share their hidden talents

12 Dec 2022

There’s a reason we say when you become a Women on Boards member you’re joining a league of extraordinary women. Did you know as well as being leading CEOs, directors, managers and businesswomen in their own fields, our WOB members have a wealth of hidden talents - from tribal belly dancing and offshore fire-fighting to vintage car restoration and beekeeping?

WOB Vacancy Board postings up, with more paid roles

12 Dec 2022

Good news for WOB members looking for paid board roles on our Vacancy Board, with 2022 seeing more vacancies posted and just over two-thirds of those were for paid roles.

Stalled gender pay gap $26,600 'wake up call' for employers

12 Dec 2022

Progress to close the gender pay gap between Australian women and men has stalled for the first time in 2022 with new national data showing the gap is stuck at 22.8%.

Downward trend in trust and ethics ‘major concern’: Governance Institute

12 Dec 2022

Australia’s ethics have taken a tumble in 2022, falling for the second year in a row, the seventh annual Ethics Index has found.

WOB podcasts: What you listened to in 2022

12 Dec 2022

Did you know this year Women on Boards’s Claire Braund recorded a total 14 podcast episodes - that’s more than one a month. In the podcasts, Claire chats to WOB members who share their board journey tips, career stories and more covering everything from whistleblowing to perfecting your elevator pitch.

Do boards and company directors really understand the importance of being cyber aware?

05 Dec 2022

Given the rise of cyber attacks of late, cyber security should be the number one issue for Australian businesses – cyber security and data protection has truly never been more important.  But do boards and company directors really understand the importance of being cyber aware, and the controls they should have in place to combat risks in their business?

Australia '200 years away from income equity for women'

05 Dec 2022

Australian women have lower income, less labour force engagement and poorer health than men, a Monash University-led report has found. 

Working from home boosts women’s job satisfaction more than men’s but there's a downside

05 Dec 2022

​Greater opportunities to work from home should lead to the greater involvement of mothers in paid work. This is a good thing. But there is at least one potential problem, writes HILDA Director Mark Wooden in The Conversation.

Christine Holgate: powerful, passionate and deeply personal

05 Dec 2022

In a 'powerful, passionate and deeply personal' presentation, Christine Holgate has shared her experience of being "thrown under a bus" after being ousted from her job as Australia Post CEO - and the bullying and abuse that followed - at a NSW Central Coast breakfast event on work-related gendered violence. Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund reports.

Personal Career Management: Breath of fresh air to a lightbulb moment

02 Dec 2022

From a ‘breath of fresh air’ to a ‘lightbulb moment’ Women on Boards’ Personal Career Management program was a pivotal turning point for these recent graduates.

Director of the Year Lel Smits: Why a board role can be a good career move

28 Nov 2022

Congratulations to Women on Boards ambassador Lel Smits who has been named Director of the Year at the Momentum Media Women in Finance Awards.

WOB farewells Cultural Diversity Committee's Marcella Lazarus and Ivett Guerra

28 Nov 2022

Women on Boards thanks departing founding Cultural Diversity Committee members Marcella Lazarus and Ivett Guerra for their tireless work with WOB to address the barriers to opportunity and access to leadership roles for diverse women. 

Look who’s coming to lunch | Meet WOB’s Xmas guests

28 Nov 2022

Time is running out to book your spot at one of our Members’ Christmas Luncheons taking place around the country. We have six guest speakers - from current and former MPs to experienced leaders and directors - lined up to meet WOB members and share their stories. 

Why Ernie Dingo made WOB's Claire Beattie cry

28 Nov 2022

WOB Cultural Diversity Committee member Claire Beattie was brought to tears by Ernie Dingo after being named Construction & Infrastructure Indigenous Employee of the Year by the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.

Truth Be Told: (No) Cultural Diversity on Australian Boards

21 Nov 2022

Women on Boards’ (WOB) research shows that while a gender balance of 40% female has largely been achieved on the boards of organisations across many sectors, the inclusion of culturally diverse and Indigenous Australians has largely been ignored.

Join WOB for Xmas lunch with MPs and NEDs

14 Nov 2022

From current and former MPs to leaders and directors with experience in the tourism, education, retail, hospitality and freight sectors, Women on Boards has an impressive line-up of guest speakers for its six Members’ Christmas Luncheon* events taking place across the country in December.

Agile recruitment pays off for cancer care charity

14 Nov 2022

A South Australian cancer charity has successfully recruited three Women on Boards members to its board after posting the openings on WOB’s vacancy board. 

Recap - AICD Essential Director Update 2022

14 Nov 2022

AICD’s Essential Director Update in Melbourne today looked at the current and emerging issues impacting directors and what director should be asking and doing to fulfil their duties, optimise performance and mitigate risk.

Influencers beware: Greenwashing police are stepping it up

07 Nov 2022

The ACCC has launched a new campaign against greenwashing, with an internet sweep targeting businesses and influencers for false and misleading sustainability statements. In this article BDO’s sustainability experts Aletta Boshoff and Ashley Bleeker explain what organisations need to know to avoid being on the greenwashing hit list.

Gender diversity reforms help UK boards but failing in other countries

07 Nov 2022

Gender diversity reforms have helped UK company boards, but they are failing in other countries. New research explains why, writes University of Liverpool's Jannine Poletti-Hughes. 

Meet our diverse line-up of WOBMeet speakers

03 Nov 2022

Women on Boards is pleased to present a diverse line-up of female speakers at our popular WOBMeet networking events this November.

Lessons from Optus for board cyber readiness

31 Oct 2022

The Optus cyber-breach in recent weeks has boards and executive teams once again reviewing how to approach cyber security and information management. Divergent views exist regarding how it happened, how it should have been handled, and what post-attack management and communication should have looked like, writes Cheryl Hayman.

Returning to work after breast cancer: A tale of two stories

31 Oct 2022

One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia in their lifetime and with eight in 10 cases occurring in women over the age of 50 this is a disease that has touched many members of the WOB community - from staff members to board directors. 

WOB welcomes 'long-called for' gendered lens on 2022 Budget

26 Oct 2022

Women on Boards has commended the Federal Government for seeking to embed an analysis of the gender implications of all policies throughout the budget.

How does the 2022 Federal Budget impact women?

26 Oct 2022

Gender inequality is “holding Australia back” was one of the key messages from Treasurer Jim Chalmers as he delivered the Federal Budget on Tuesday. So what exactly was promised in this “family-friendly” budget and how will these measures help ease the growing uncertainty and financial burden for women?

Director IDs: Who needs to apply and when?

24 Oct 2022

The deadline for directors to apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) is fast approaching. So who does, and who doesn’t, need to apply for a director ID and what do you need to do to get ready?

Directors' 'critical role' in cyber security with launch of new governance principles

24 Oct 2022

Recent cyber incidents at Optus and Medibank are a timely reminder of the importance of cyber security, and the need for boards to have clear guidance on how to best protect their organisation’s data, and most importantly the data of their customers and clients.

Greater gender balance across industries key to closing pay gap

24 Oct 2022

Australia could reduce its gender pay gap by more than a third if all industries and occupations set and achieved a 40:40:20 gender diversity target.

Netball Australia saga: Who has the ball and what is the next play?

24 Oct 2022

Opinion: Claire Braund
To what extent does the Netball Australia Board have to take into consideration vile and racist comments made by a dead billionaire mining magnate more than 30 years ago, when his daughter wants to sponsor the team?

WOB members shine in Victorian Honour Role for Women

17 Oct 2022

Three Women on Boards members have been inducted into the 2022 Victorian Honour Roll of Women, a prestigious state acknowledgement of the achievements of Victorian women, at the Arts Centre Melbourne. They were among 23 women acknowledged.

Managing psychosocial risks at work: What new changes mean for employers

17 Oct 2022

NSW is set to be one of the first jurisdictions in Australia to implement recent changes to the national model WHS regulations, which recognise psychosocial hazards in the workplace and require businesses to implement control measures to manage risks. As we mark National Safe Work Month this August, WOB takes a look at how to manage psychosocial risks in the workplace and what the recent changes mean for employers

WOB celebrates 100 years of Standards Australia

17 Oct 2022

Women on Boards co-founder and Executive Chair Ruth Medd joined fellow WOB members at a gala dinner in Sydney celebrating 100 years of Standards Australia. 

WOB Director Lunches head to Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth

17 Oct 2022

Women on Boards was delighted to be joined by guest directors Miriam Silva AM, Alison Gaines and Tonianne Dwyer at our Director Lunch events held in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.

Security Risks Scholarship recipients announced

17 Oct 2022

Congratulations to the four successful Women on Boards and McGrathNicol Security Scholarship recipients Katerina Karanikolopoulos, Belinda Howell, Sarah Woolford and Leesa Bauer.

WOB Cultural Diversity Chair Wins Top Award

07 Oct 2022

Mahjabeen Zaman, Chair of the Women on Boards (WOB) Cultural Diversity Committee, has been officially recognised as one of Australia’s 10 most influential Asian-Australians under the age of 40.

Maxine Morand's principles for successful governance 

07 Oct 2022

Women on Boards members were fortunate to have Maxine Morand AM, Board Chair, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, as the guest speaker for our October Director lunch held at Clayton Utz Melbourne.  As well as sharing her fascinating career and board journey, which she describes as a combination of hard work and synchronicity,
Maxine shared her key principles for successful governance.

Hear keynotes Sir Richard Branson and Serena Williams

07 Oct 2022

CPA Australia is holding its annual Virtual Congress 19-21 October 2022, with an impressive line up of speakers, including Serena Willams, Sir Richard Branson and The Hon. Julie Bishop.

Mini peak AGM season overview

07 Oct 2022

Your AGM is a highly visible and important milestone in your annual corporate calendar. Between January and May 2022, Computershare managed 144 meetings in Australia.  Here they provide the key findings from this ‘mini’ AGM season to guide us through the main AGM season.
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Company directors fall short of cyber security skills mark

03 Oct 2022

Company directors need to be asking management the tough questions (and be competent enough to know what answers to expect) about their organisation’s understanding of cyber security risk and potential vulnerabilities to incidents such as attacks, data breaches, the investment in creating and monitoring controls, and rehearsed scenarios to be better equipped – should a cyber security incident take place.

What Energises Claire Braund?

03 Oct 2022

Claire Braund was a guest panellist at at Women in Associations Forum last week, where the panel shared their experiences, motivators and perpectives, including what energises them and how to negotiate a pay rise.

Could an Optus Cyber attack happen to your organisation? Security Risks for Boards, with Matt Fehon AM

29 Sep 2022

In the wake of the Optus cyber-attack, we spoke to Matt Fehon AM, partner at McGrathNicol.  Matt has led some of the largest and highest profile fraud, corruption, and regulatory investigations in Australia.  He is one of the key presenters in our new 5-part program - Security Risks and Risk Management for boards.  Here Matt provides an overview of what will be covered in the program, including his view on the key risks boards are currently facing and what boards should be taking from the Optus cyber-attack.

Claire Beattie joins "Leaders in Conversation"

26 Sep 2022

Claire Beattie, member of WOB's Cultural Diversity Committee, Executive Director, Asset Activations, School Infrastructure NSW and proud Yorta Yorta woman, was invited to join the NSW Parliament's ‘Leaders in Conversation’ panel, where ‘Economic development and prosperity. Empowering social change’ was the topic up for discussion.
 

WOB Cultural Diversity Committee's Gloria Yuen named 2022 'Emerging Leader'

26 Sep 2022

Gloria Yuen named Emerging Leader in the Private Sector at the 2022 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards, winning her category

Crusade with no plan B: Bringing Women's Basketball World Cup to Sydney

19 Sep 2022

A crusade with no plan B: That’s how WOB member Maria Nordstrom describes the drive behind bringing the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup to Sydney.

Sheena Wilson: Why I was struck by the WOB model

19 Sep 2022

WOB mentor, NED and executive career coach Sheena Wilson reflects on a decade of involvement with WOB Australia and WOB UK.

WOB UK launch: 'A wonderful moment in the history of WOB'

19 Sep 2022

The number 10 is highly symbolic in the UK at the moment. It is 10 days since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a scant fortnight since Liz Truss took over as the latest occupant of 10 Downing Street and 10 years since we launched Women on Boards in a 10-day blitz across the UK.

Spirit of reciprocity alive and well: Claire's WOBUK speech

15 Sep 2022

In 2012 Claire Braund travelled to the UK to launch Women on Boards UK in five cities in a two week period. Ten years on we revisit Claire's speech. 

All eyes will be on your AGM this year: Governance Institute

14 Sep 2022

All eyes will be on your AGM this year. This is the warning from The Governance Institute which has released an Effective AGM guide as peak meeting season nears under updated laws.

WOB Board CV seals the deal for psychologist Dr Karen Klockner

14 Sep 2022

Queensland psychologist and human factors engineer, Dr Karen Klockner, has credited Women on Boards - and the Board CV course - with helping her win a "hotly contested" position on her dream board.

16 visits over 57 years: reflecting on Queen Elizabeth II’s long relationship with Australia

12 Sep 2022

Queen Elizabeth II's visits to Australia – from her first in 1954 through to her last in 2011 – offer a snapshot of the changing relationship Australians have had with their sovereign and with the monarchy, writes Giselle Bastin of Flinders University.

Tasmanian rural motherhood advocate Stephanie Tertheway wins Rural Women’s Award 

12 Sep 2022

Tasmanian rural motherhood advocate Stephanie Trethewey has taken out the  top honour as the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner with Victorian editor, Kimberley Furness from Bendigo, Victoria announced as National Runner Up.

Passion and purpose at WOBMeet Central Coast

12 Sep 2022

Flexibility in the workplace and regional opportunities for board members were just two of the topics up for discussion at the latest WOBMeet for our Hunter and Central Coast members.

Queen Elizabeth II: The greatest leader of our time

09 Sep 2022

Women on Boards’ Claire Braund, pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the platinum standard for leadership in an ever-changing world

‘Disturbing snapshot’ of women’s experiences of pregnancy discrimination at work

07 Sep 2022

Laws protecting pregnant women from being discriminated against in the workplace have been in place for more than a quarter of a century, yet women still continue to be sacked, demoted and discriminated against in the workplace simply for having a baby.

Women’s talk welcome but long way to travel before gender pay gap closes

05 Sep 2022

The Jobs Summit put a welcome focus on women’s workforce participation and reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing some long-overdue reforms, but there is a long way to travel before we eliminate the gender pay gap in Australia, writes Claire Braund.

WOB welcomes Women's Liberation Halfway House

05 Sep 2022

Women on Boards is delighted to welcome our newest corporate member Women's Liberation Halfway House

81-year-old Cam Nguyen CEO shares her secrets for Women's Health Week

05 Sep 2022

At 81, Cam Nguyen is CEO of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association - still working full-time, leading the national organisation that supports women of Vietnamese and other migrant backgrounds settle in Australia. She credits her boundless energy to the exercise regime she took up in her 60s, one that includes the plank, the side plank and three sets of six push-ups. This Women’s Health Week Cam shares her inspiration story.

Exploring opportunities to solve the gender pay gap in director remuneration

05 Sep 2022

When asked the question ‘Is there a gender pay gap in director’s remuneration?' the usual answer is 'no'. But is that true? In this discussion paper, WOB Chair Ruth Medd, explores the hidden bias in director remuneration, hereby called ‘the portfolio effect’ and the impact that paying Directors of charity boards would have on the women’s remuneration on boards.

WOB’s Roberta Wright chosen for Blind Citizens Australia executive leadership program

01 Sep 2022

Women on Boards member Roberta Wright has used her WOB Board CV to apply for and achieve one of 10 national places on the 2023 Blind Citizen's Australia Executive Leadership Program. 

Disability, diversity and digital directors up for discussion at WOBChat

01 Sep 2022

How can your board be more inclusive of people with disabilities? What does it mean to build a culture of ‘belonging’ in an organisation? How do you become a digital director? Why join an advisory board?

Guest speakers inspire at WOBMeet events

29 Aug 2022

From a coal miner’s daughter who negotiated the Kyoto Protocol to South Australia’s highest ranking female police officer, Women on Boards welcomed 10 inspiring speakers for the latest WOBMeet networking events held across the country.

D Day: Have you got your Director ID?

29 Aug 2022

You have unril 30 November 2022 to get your Director ID. In this article, Holding Redlich’s Lyn Nicholson and Isabella Costa remind those who are yet to apply that the deadline is fast approaching and how to get ready.

Security Risk & Risk Management: Ask the experts

29 Aug 2022

A cyber warfare expert, Oxford-educated engineer and NED and experienced Chair and risk management specialist will be sharing their insights on security risk and risk management for boards in a new Women on Boards program.

'Fundamental structural change' needed to fix gender pay gap

29 Aug 2022

Australian Gender Equality Council CEO, Kim Amos, said real significant change in the gender pay gap will only come with fundamental structural change.

Opinion: Hold the Bouquets for Equal Pay Day Promises

29 Aug 2022

The gender pay gap has barely changed for 30 years. In that time we have had 12 Parliaments under nine prime ministers (noting that Kevin Rudd served twice). You might think we would have it sorted out by now, writes Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund.

What are the barriers to women in the security sector? 

22 Aug 2022

Do you work in the security industry? Your input is needed for a new study looking into how many women work in the sector and what kind of jobs and skills they have.

First Nations women and community leaders head to Canberra for Straight Talk

22 Aug 2022

After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, more than 50 First Nations women gathered at Parliament House in Canberra last week to meet with federal ministers and learn more about the political system.

Experts ready to answer your government board questions

22 Aug 2022

What is the board recruitment process for government boards? How can you best position yourself for those roles, and what is required of you once you are on a government boards?

Gender pay gap rise, inflation 'the perfect storm' for women

22 Aug 2022

Employers are being urged to take immediate action to reduce the gender pay gap, with new figures showing women are now worse off than they were six months ago earning on average $264 a week less than men.

Boards ill-prepared for post-COVID digital world

18 Aug 2022

Governance Institute of Australia is calling for board skills renewal, with figures showing many boards are ill-prepared for post-COVID digital world.

Trailblazing women leaders in sport focus of oral history project

15 Aug 2022

WOB member and leading sports lawyer and academic, Associate Professor Catherine Ordway, is collaborating on a new oral history project with trailblazing women leaders in sport.

National Science Week: Celebrating women in STEMM

15 Aug 2022

This National Science Week (13-21 August) Women on Boards pays tribute to the many amazing women who have made significant contributions in the world of science, technology, engineering and maths.

One year on: Don’t forget women and girls of Afghanistan

15 Aug 2022

Australians are being urged not to forget the women and girls of Afghanistan as they grapple with a worsening humanitarian crisis, one year since the dramatic scenes in the country.

And that's a wrap! Members mingle at Mid-Year Lunches

08 Aug 2022

More than 230 Women on Boards members mingled and munched at our inaugural Members’ Mid-Year Luncheon series - held across five states in six locations over two weeks.

Three WOB members appointed to Scouts NSW governance roles

08 Aug 2022

Former NSW Children’s Guardian and WOB member, Kerryn Boland, has been appointed Vice President of Scouts Australia NSW - the first woman to hold such a high honorary role. 

Security risk scholarships on offer to NFP board members

04 Aug 2022

Women on Boards in conjunction with McGrathNicol is offering two scholarship places to women serving on a NFP board to attend our inaugural five-part security risk program.
 

Congratulations to WOBSX Kerry Schott Syndicate graduates

04 Aug 2022

Congratulations to the latest ASX-ready non executive directors who have graduated from the WOBSX Kerry Schott Syndicate.

Jodie Leonard: Have purpose - and know what motivates your fellow directors

01 Aug 2022

Jodie Leonard shared learnings and lessons galore when she spoke at the WOB mid-year members lunch at the Alexandra Club in Melbourne last week.

Tour de France Femme: an uphill journey to equality in cycling

01 Aug 2022

On the last day in July, Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten made history as the winner of the inaugural Tour de France Femmes - the first time in 33 years that the world’s best female racers have been given the chance to compete in a multi-stage version of the world’s greatest cycle race.

'How to guide' to accelerate gender balance in senior teams

25 Jul 2022

Australian businesses are being asked to take action to increase the number of women in their senior executive teams by implementing initiatives identified in research released by Chief Executive Women (CEW) and Bain & Company.

Good sport: West Tigers still kicking goals for Marina Go

25 Jul 2022

If you’re wondering whether taking a position on a sports board will help your board career, take a tip from Marina Go.

Gender affirmation leave - a step in the right direction?

25 Jul 2022

On top of the myriad of issues Non Executive Directors need to get their heads around on 2022, we have two novel new forms of leave reflecting Australia's ever changing societal norms.

Professor Shirley Randell AO talks women on boards in Rwanda

18 Jul 2022

The rights and wellbeing of older women and getting more women on boards was up for discussion during Professor Shirley Randell AO’s recent visit to Rwanda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Four WOB members join Australasian Birth Trauma Association Board

18 Jul 2022

Four Women on Boards members have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors to the Australasian Birth Trauma Association Board after seeing the position advertised on the WOB Vacancy Board.

Kicking the can down the road again: gender pay gap nears $1bn per week

18 Jul 2022

Gender discrimination remains the leading driver of the national pay gap, which is now estimated at nearly $1 billion per week.

WOB says ‘thank you’ with Red Cross flood donation

11 Jul 2022

Women on Boards is pleased to donate $2250 to help flood victims in Australia.

Alison Creagh AM CSC, Kate Jones join Paralympics Australia board

11 Jul 2022

Congratulations to WOB member Alison Creagh AM CSC and former Queensland Government minister Kate Jones who have both been appointed to the Paralympics Australia board.

Why cultural competence and humility are essential leadership attributes

04 Jul 2022

How could you be a more culturally competent and culturally humble leader? Join executive coach Simeon Boseley as he explains why leaders developing cultural competence and building cultural humility should be a crucial part of their growth and team development strategy. 

Post-COVID optimism sees boost to board remuneration

04 Jul 2022

Directors could be set to earn more this financial year with board members’ pay increasing by almost 9 per cent according to a survey of more than 500 Australian organisations. 

Claire Beattie: What steps can First Nations allies take towards reconciliation?

04 Jul 2022

As Australia celebrates NAIDOC week WOB Cultural Diversity Member Claire Beattie discusses what steps First Nations allies can take towards reconciliation, from helping more Indigenous women into leadership positions to buying from Aboriginal businesses.

Women still doing more housework. Now it's time to invest in interventions

04 Jul 2022

'We need comprehensive policies that allow men to step into care-giving roles without fear of retribution and penalty at work' writes  Sociology Professor and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab at The University of Melbourne Leah Ruppanner, as Australian Census numbers show, again, that women typically do many more hours of unpaid housework per week compared to men.

Indigenous employment: ‘When you don’t see yourself in your leaders, it’s a battle’

27 Jun 2022

Indigenous employees are almost entirely absent from senior management executive leadership levels in some of the country’s biggest organisations, an Australian-first report has found.

Companies lagging on gender diversity risk 'missing out on top talent'

27 Jun 2022

While the business case for a gender diverse workforce is well established, analysis of jobseeker data shows that, in a tight job market, diversity may give companies a vital edge in the competition for younger female talent.

Final call for Melbourne-based WOBSX Zita Peach syndicate

27 Jun 2022

Are you based in Melbourne and looking for a director-led peer-to-peer support program to help you get onto an ASX board?

WOB supports Shirley Randell AO at Women's Forum in Rwanda

27 Jun 2022

Women on Boards is proud to support Professor Shirley Randell AO who travelled recently to take part in the 3rd Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Rwanda.

'I was invisible. Now I am visible'

27 Jun 2022

How to get yourself seen with Women on Boards' Personal Career Management Program - as told by graduate Suhan Baskar.

WOB members, associates, recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours

20 Jun 2022

Women on Boards congratulates the WOB members, friends and associates who were among the almost 1000 Australians recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Don't forget your director IDs: The who, how and why

15 Jun 2022

By Dr Kath Hall
With everything that’s been going on over the last 12 months, you can be forgiven if the requirement to get a director ID has passed you by. But if you are on a board or looking to join a board don’t delay. 

'Catch up, and quickly: WOB UK Hidden Truth report reveals stark 'diversity divide'

15 Jun 2022

Catch up, and quickly. That is the advice from WOB UK CEO Fiona Hathorn to the high number of firms yet to reach even the most minimal levels of diverse representation.

Sussan Ley says she is listening to women who rejected the Liberals. But will she hear what they are saying?

09 Jun 2022

Sussan Ley, deputy leader of the Liberal Party and shadow minister for women, has been given a difficult task: bring women voters back to the Liberal Party. This will be no mean feat, given widespread acknowledgement they played a significant role in the Morrison government’s defeat, writes University of Adelaide's Carol Johnson.

How going back to school helped my board career

09 Jun 2022

Just keep learning: That’s the motto South Australian WOB member, and graduate of The Boardroom School, Ruth Ottewill lives by.

EU agrees to 40% quota for women on boards

08 Jun 2022

All boards of large publicly-listed companies based in the EU will have to have at least 40% of seats held by women by mid-2026.

Curly questions you may face at board interview

06 Jun 2022

Curly questions were up for discussion at Brisbane WOBMeet when WOB members and guests practised their board interview skills with WOB’s Queensland rep Anna Hebron.
 

Post a vacancy and reach WOB's network of extraordinary women

06 Jun 2022

Having trouble recruiting a board director with the right skills, experience or diversity? Post your vacancies on the WOB Vacancy Board and reach our extraordinary network of women.

10 points for trying, but Coalition’s ‘women problem’ still very real

06 Jun 2022

While new Liberal leader, Peter Dutton, should be given points for moving women into the shadow ministry, it is worth remembering that of the 58 House of Representative seats won by the Coalition, just 13 are held by women. 
 

WOB Celebrates Angela Bowen

01 Jun 2022

Congratulations to Angela Bowen who brings up 10 years at WOB today. She joined us on 1 June 2012 and has been integral to the WOB journey. Someone who has become a trusted colleague, a valued 'behind the scenes' face of WOB and a good friend. Thank you.

All workplaces have a role in supporting victims of domestic violence

01 Jun 2022

What role can workplaces play in addressing the problem of domestic violence? This was one of the questions posed by Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist Jess Hill, who delivered the Anna McPhee Memorial Oration on Diversity & Inclusion this week.

Miriam Silva: Changing Culture with Faith, Instinct and Resilience 

30 May 2022

Women on Boards was joined by experienced leader and board chair, director and leader Miriam Silva at two Melbourne events, who inspired WOB members with her strength, determination and resilience.

Ready for lift off: How Amanda Mark nailed her elevator pitch

30 May 2022

How a chance meeting in a lift - and having that all-important elevator pitch ready - opened doors for Women on Boards member and financial markets expert Amanda Mark. 

Boardroom diversity: Gender on track but culture lagging

30 May 2022

The gender issue is getting sorted, but we need some serious action on cultural diversity on the boards of our ASX300 companies.

WOB members hold court as Opals face Japan

30 May 2022

Women leaders were all around at the Opals vs Japan pre-match function at Sydney's Olympic Park on Friday night.
 

WOB prize winners announced

30 May 2022

Thank you to everyone who everyone who purchased a ticket in the raffle to support Claire Braund - Stars of the Central Coast. Congratulations to the following winners.

Mabel's Week with WOB: A young leader's perspective

23 May 2022

Year 10 student Mabel Cardozo - a keen writer, photographer and social justice advocate - spent a week with Women on Boards. Here she writes about her week with WOB. 

Not a bumper sticker: How to get diversity and inclusion right

23 May 2022

Diversity and inclusion is not a bumper sticker. This was the key message from proud Yorta Yorta women Claire Beattie speaking at a WOB panel discussion to mark UN World Day for Cultural Diversity.

Professional women channel Goldstein in teal revolution

23 May 2022

Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein would have cheered on Saturday night. Goldstein, who stood five times for election to the Senate pre-1917 had a distrust of major political parties, which she and Rose Scott regarded as designed by men to support men’s interests, writes Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund.

Bernadette Harkin: From quantum computing to ocean swimming

16 May 2022

From quantum computing to ocean swimming, WOB members were given an insight into the world of ASX NED Bernadette Harkin at the first of Women on Boards’ 2022 Director Lunches in Sydney on 10 May. The Director Lunch followed on from the face-to-face Board Kick-starter workshop. Both events were held at Clayton-Utz in the Sydney CBD.

Federal Election 2022: How will women vote?

16 May 2022

We go to the polls on Saturday 21 May to choose our next national government. Many have already voted, while a large number remain undecided. 

Treat it like a task: Networking made easy with WOB

12 May 2022

From coffee catch-ups - over Zoom or at the local cafe - to corporate lunches and evening events, here at Women on Boards we understand the enormous value of networking. 

Board diversity in Australia 'satisfactory' say over 1000 directors

09 May 2022

Is lack of diversity an issue on Australian boards? Not according to more than half of directors surveyed by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Victoria delivers ‘historic’ first budget with gender responsive budgeting

09 May 2022

The Victorian government is set to spend $940million on initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for women in Australia’s first state-budget delivered with gender responsive budgeting.

Not so hostile: Keeping your workplace free of harassment

09 May 2022

Following an Australian Human Rights Commission report which found sexual harassment continues to be pervasive in Australian workplaces, changes are proposed to the Sex Discrimination Act. The Governance Institute outlines the proposed changes as well as key ways to help keep workplaces safe.

Femtech innovation ‘explosion’ shows why we need to address the gender gap in IP

09 May 2022

Women are leading the way in ‘femtech’ innovation, but more still needs to be done to address the gender imbalance in IP, says leading Australian patent attorney and WOB member Allira Hudson-Gofers.

Man, I feel like a woman: Claire Braund dances 90s-style for cancer cause

09 May 2022

From chairing a board to treading the boards WOB Executive Director Claire Braund, is hitting the dance floor - 90s style - to help people affected by cancer.

Thank you mum for believing in my superpowers!

06 May 2022

Every person in the world has a mother, and on the second Sunday in May, we acknowledge how they have shaped our lives, and what nurturing and motherhood have taught us, as women.

Meet the women paving the way for female innovators

27 Apr 2022

Women have been changing the face of Australian innovation for over a century.  This week, which marks World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April, WOB takes a look at some of the remarkable women who, despite hardship and setbacks, have paved the way for today's female innovators.

Time to act on climate change: A guide for boards on the path to net zero

27 Apr 2022

With many organisations grappling with increasing pressure to act on climate change, Governance Institute of Australia has launched a new guide designed to be used as a roadmap on the path to net zero. 

ANZAC Day 2022: Lest We Forget

24 Apr 2022

By Women on Boards co-founder and Executive Director, Claire Braund

On ANZAC Day 2022, Women on Boards pays tribute to the current and former members of our armed forces and to those who served with them in times of war and peace. 

Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro 'encouraged' by STEM gender push

21 Apr 2022

Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist and Women on Boards member, Professor Tanya Monro, is behind a project aimed at getting more women into senior STEM positions in the armed forces. 

Leading ladies: Women in history-making ADF appointments

21 Apr 2022

There’s no doubt 2022 is proving to be a history-making year for leading women in the Australian Defence Force with the appointment of a new Space Commander and Army’s first female Deputy Chief and more.

Board member Aunty Lorraine's push for First Nations soldiers memorial

21 Apr 2022

It has been a long time coming, but a memorial honouring First Nations service men and women of Queensland is set to be unveiled in Brisbane in May, thanks partly to Australian Army Indigenous Elder Aunty Lorraine Hatton OAM.

Ladies to the front: the hidden history of women in Australian airforce bands

21 Apr 2022

By Anthea Skinner, The University of Melbourne

Military bands, with their shiny instruments, formal uniforms and precision marching are one of the most instantly recognisable symbols of a nation’s defence forces. As such, throughout much of history, their membership as been limited to men: Australian defence force bands only formally welcomed women into their ranks after the introduction of the Sex Discrimination act in 1984.

WOB pays tribute to women who serve

20 Apr 2022

From a teenage bank worker to an award-winning chaplain, Women on Boards pays tribute to remarkable women - past and present - who have served the country.

ANZAC podcasts: Women's stories of service and sacrifice

20 Apr 2022

No matter where you are this ANZAC Day, you can tune in and listen to these podcasts. From interviews with military personnel to stories of women at war and conversations with modern veterans, this is your opportunity to reflect in your own time on those Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations across the world. 

A Practical Governance Course: It’s not just about learning the hard stuff, but how to apply it

14 Apr 2022

Be part of the conversation on our  'Board Governance and Leadership for Directors' program with Margot Foster AM OLY.

WiT's Bec Langdon gets behind schoolgirl's statue campaign

12 Apr 2022

Women on Boards member Bec Langdon has praised the efforts of a Queensland schoolgirl who has successfully campaigned to get a bronze statue of pioneering Australian astrobiologist and geologist Dr Abigail Allwood built in Brisbane.

Record-breaking appointments for WOBSX

11 Apr 2022

It was a record-breaking month in March for Women on Boards' successful WOBSX program, with five members landing ASX roles.

Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon to better represent diverse talent

11 Apr 2022

Women working in health, medical and life sciences sectors have taken to their keyboards to combat gender bias on Wikipedia - one of the world’s most-visited websites.

Budget cybersecurity boost welcome, but lack of action on climate change disappointing: Governance Institute

11 Apr 2022

A major cybersecurity boost of almost $9.9b announced in the 2022 federal budget has been welcomed by Governance Institute of Australia as a step forward in tackling an increasingly complex and growing threat.

Dr Liz Paslawsky 'throws out rule book' to get medical supplies into Ukraine

07 Apr 2022

Women on Boards member Dr Liz Paslawsky is no stranger to working in disaster zones and supporting health services for areas in crisis. 

Industry urged to take urgent action to engage more women in engineering

04 Apr 2022

Industry leaders need to take urgent action to redress the alarming lack of women in STEM, says Engineers Australia CEO and Face of WOB, Bronwyn Evans.

Personal Career Management scholarship recipients announced

04 Apr 2022

Risk and compliance leader Shobha Nambiar and IT specialist Annabel Lui have been named the Women on Boards Personal Career Management Scholarship recipients.

Women in motorsport gear up for return of F1 Australian Grand Prix

04 Apr 2022

This weekend girls will be getting into gear when the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix returns to Melbourne after a two-year hiatus - and two women who are revved-up and ready to go are WOB presenter Margot Foster and motorsport mentor Jessica Dane. 

Paid parental leave: Time to shift the burden of care

30 Mar 2022

Economists, business leaders and parental advocates have long been calling for a new and improved paid parental leave scheme, but are the changes announced in the 2022 Federal Budget enough or will they do more harm than good?

Proud Zulu WOB member's Pearls of wisdom

28 Mar 2022

“Don’t wait at the door for someone to let you in - every space is open to you.” As a mentor, Pearl Proud’s advice to anyone wanting a seat at the table is simple: Don’t wait for permission. “The world is for all of us - I’m in the world, therefore it’s for me.” 

ASX300 boards improve on gender, but still some way off 40%

28 Mar 2022

The proportion of female directors on ASX 200 and 300 boards has reached an all-time high, but is still well shy of the 40%, the Australian Institute of Company Director’s (AICD) latest gender diversity report shows.

NEW Personal Career Management program: All your questions answered

28 Mar 2022

Are you stuck in a rut or just feel like you're not realising your career potential? WOB’s new Personal Career Management program is designed to help you set and reach your career goals

Why are fewer than 25% employers of choice for gender equality listed on the ASX?

21 Mar 2022

Of the 120 companies who have met the exacting requirements to receive the WGEA Employers of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) accreditation fewer than 30 are listed on the ASX.

Personal Career Management: Tap into your potential and find your voice

21 Mar 2022

Have you been passed over for career advancement because you’re ‘not ready’? Perhaps you’re stuck in a mid-management role and need to overcome ‘speed humps’ slowing down your journey to a senior position?

NFP board members awarded BDO ESG scholarships

21 Mar 2022

Women on Boards has awarded two scholarships to attend our new ESG Series to Karina Keisler and Carol Webb - two not-for-profit board members looking to broaden their ESG knowledge in the boardroom.  The scholarships have been made possible by BDO Australia.

EU states give initial agreement for board quotas for women

16 Mar 2022

European Union states have given approval for a plan to set new requirements for gender balance on the boards of publicly-listed companies.

Russia and Ukraine: What does it mean for Australian companies?

16 Mar 2022

By David McGeoch, Policy and Advocacy Adviser, the Governance Institute
The Russia/Ukraine conflict can seem far away from Australia, but there are many ways it can affect the management of Australian companies. This article focuses on three key issues and discusses actions companies can take.

Opinion: Gender credentials for IWD 'champions'? Now there's a thought

13 Mar 2022

Companies supporting International Women's day are often a credential free zone when it comes to gender.

Women on Boards, BDO offering two ESG scholarships 

09 Mar 2022

Women on Boards is offering two scholarship places to its new ESG program to women serving on a not-for-profit Board.

Federal Election 2022: Governance and risk checklist

09 Mar 2022

With momentum building for a federal election, there are five key governance and risk management issues that need to be high on the agenda, writes The Governance Institute.

Women's History Month: Celebrating Australian female trailblazers

07 Mar 2022

To mark Women’s History Month, where countries around the world, including Australia, pay tribute to the women who’ve changed the country and the world for the better Women on Boards is celebrating the lives of trailblazing Australian females, past and present, starting with CWA NSW founder Grace Munro.

WOB welcomes three new members to Cultural Diversity Committee

07 Mar 2022

WOB is pleased to welcome Yorta Yorta woman and senior NSW Public Servant Claire Beattie, proud Wiradjuri woman and HR specialist with Paramount Australia and NZ, Helen Tran and Gloria Yuen, NAB’s Head of Risk 2021 awardee of 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians – Awardee 2021 to its Cultural Diversity Committee.

Opinion: Do hashtags cut it on IWD?

07 Mar 2022

By Claire Braund, WOB Executive Director

The global hashtag for International Women's Day is #BreakTheBias. At first glance this sounds worthy and is a simple but effective social media visual. The rationale asks us to all imagine and sign up to a gender equal world. “A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.”

‘Catastrophic’ warning for women, girls in Ukraine

28 Feb 2022

Women on Boards is urging members to come together to help vulnerable women and children in Ukraine as the escalating violence puts millions at risk and threatens to displace hundreds of thousands of civilians.

WOB 2-for-1 offer to Social Good Summit Australia

21 Feb 2022

WOB Next Gen graduate and Social Good Summit Australia founder, Catia Davim, is paying it forward with a special 2-for-1 offer for WOB members to this year’s conference. 

The Hon. Theresa May lunches with Women on Boards

21 Feb 2022

Former British Prime Minister The Hon. Theresa May encourages young Australian women in a bid to boost diversity and female representation in business and politics.

Video off: Why not all working women need to be seen to be heard

14 Feb 2022

With the increase in Zoom meetings and hybrid meetings, is it bad for business to have your video off? Or does mandating a 'camera on' policy discriminate those who would rather be off-screen?

WOBChat reconnects long-lost friends, mentors

14 Feb 2022

Here at Women on Boards we pride ourselves on bringing like-minded people together. But when WOB member Christine Miller joined the virtual WOBChat event recently she had no idea she would be reconnected with a long-lost mentor and friend.

Time to find certainty amid the uncertainty 

14 Feb 2022

by Megan Motto, GGIA, CEO, Governance Institute of Australia

Governance Institute CEO Megan Motto on the governance and risk management issues she tips to be front and centre for 2022.

Men twice as likely to be highly paid than women

14 Feb 2022

Australia’s latest annual report card on gender equality has revealed a mixed result from workplaces, with small improvements in the results barely making inroads on the overall persistent and sizeable pay gaps, and decision-making structures still dominated by men.

Women on Boards launches Faces of WOB

14 Feb 2022

Women on Boards is a league of extraordinary women. To showcase this we are launching our Faces of WOB - a new initiative that recognises and celebrates members who have made a difference in their field and had a positive impact within the WOB network across three key areas - Standing Out, Showing Up and Champions.

Women on Boards calls in the experts to have a chat

10 Feb 2022

An actor, a Diversity and Inclusion expert, a leading economist and a top lawyer and ASX NED are four of the special guests joining Women on Boards’ WOBChat events in 2022.
 

Has D&I become just another acronym?

07 Feb 2022

These days boards and leadership teams use the acronym D&I (Diversity & Inclusion) with as much confidence as they say M&A, EBITDA or COGS. So has D&I become just another acronomy in the business lexicon?

Webinar: Diversity is half the circle. Culture, equity and inclusion are the other half

04 Feb 2022

Hosted by the Governance Institute, Claire Braund will join Catherine Fox, Dr Marlene Kanga AM and Megan Motto in a thought provoking panel webinar.

Christine Clarke CSC named Australia's new Ambassador for Women and Girls

02 Feb 2022

Congratulations to Former Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul, Christine Clarke CSC, who has been appointed Australia's next Ambassador for Women and Girls.

43% of top Honours go to Women 

31 Jan 2022

The record number of women honoured in the Australian Day Honours is to be commended, but work still needs to be done on addressing the imbalance in the top echelons.

 

Women make up over half Aussie Olympics team, despite setbacks

31 Jan 2022

A female-dominant team of athletes is preparing to represent Australia at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics when it officially kicks off this Friday.

Can we expect equal Honours this Australia Day?

24 Jan 2022

For almost half a century men have dominated the Order of Australia, receiving, on average, over 70% of the awards. What will the percentage of female honourees be in 2022?
 

Women in Leadership Culturally Diverse Scholarships open

24 Jan 2022

Women on Boards recognises the female cultural imbalance that exists in board and leadership positions. We are offering two WIL scholarship places in the 2022 Q1 cohort to culturally diverse women.

What's in store for WOB in 2022

17 Jan 2022

As we welcome in 2022, Women on Boards founder and Executive Director Claire Braund shares her welcome message and shares what's in store for WOB over the coming year. 

Get on Board in 2022: Five must-read WOB articles to motivate you for the year ahead

17 Jan 2022

As we welcome a new year, now is the time to plan and get the wheels in motion for the months ahead. Don’t know where to start? Don’t panic. We’ve done all the work for you. Here’s a collection of some of our ‘best steps’ articles, packed with links to resources and more.

Come and join WOB's Cultural Diversity Committee

22 Dec 2021

Do you have what it takes to join Women on Boards' Cultural Diversity Committee? If so we would love to hear from you.

2021: WOB's Year in Review

22 Dec 2021

2021 has been a defining year for all of us. Here at Women on Boards, we've put together a timeline and looked back over some of the people, events, moments and memories that impacted WOB over the last 12 months. 

Holiday Operating Hours

22 Dec 2021

The Women on Boards office is closed from Friday, 24 December 2021 and will reopen Wednesday 5 January 2022....

WOB on Mission to say 'thank you' to speakers, presenters 

21 Dec 2021

As we once again come to the end of a year dominated by COVID, we are thankful for the time, expertise and knowledge our presenters have so generously shared with the WOB network.

WOB's 2021 Christmas Message

20 Dec 2021

As we farewell 2021, Ruth and Claire reflect on the importance and value of the WOB network and what lies ahead in 2022.

Good result on Government Boards, but more work required

13 Dec 2021

Women hold 49.6 per cent of Federal Government board positions overall - a 1% increase on 2020 - but some portfolios are clearly lagging.

22% more vacancies in 2021

13 Dec 2021

Women on Boards continues to provide high numbers of quality board opportunities for members according to the annual analysis of positions posted on its vacancy board.

'A way to go': Gender shift but women still left out of key management roles

13 Dec 2021

The Champions of Change Coalition’s 2021 Impact Report shows a welcome shift towards gender equity among its 180 member organisations, but work needs to be done to see more women in key management roles.

Can we improve gender diversity in leadership by opting-out of the default?

06 Dec 2021

Opt-out rather than opt-in is a proven strategy to encourage customer stickiness in marketing, so why wouldn't it work in the case of women in leadership roles?

Congratulations to The Boardroom School graduates

06 Dec 2021

A unique partnership between Women on Boards and Margot Foster’s The Boardroom School has seen the first 14 women graduate from the collaborative virtual governance and leadership program.

Is your Board doing enough to combat modern slavery?

02 Dec 2021

By Fiona David, Chair of Research for the Minderoo Foundation

Having led labour audits in the Middle East and Australia, my advice to company directors on modern slavery is pretty simple: Look and you will find.

'No excuses': Landmark report gets $2.8m boost to help First Nations females

30 Nov 2021

Women on Boards has joined Indigenous women leaders in welcoming a $2.8million Government funding boost to help end gender inequity for FIrst Nations women and girls. 

Congratulations to WOB's Michele Adair, Dr Katherine Woodthorpe

29 Nov 2021

Michele Adair and Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO, two long-time friends and members of Women on Boards, have been recently recognised for their outstanding contribution in the areas of housing affordability and science respectively.

WOB calls for focus on cultural and disability data

26 Nov 2021

Women on Boards is calling for organisations to report on disability and cultural diversity within the workforce to improve participation and access to leadership and board roles.

55% ASX NEDs female & fewer ex-CEOs on boards

25 Nov 2021

Opportunities for women to achieve ASX board roles are increasing with career backgrounds of NEDs changing and fewer ex-CEOs appointed to boards.

Sara Pantzer appointment marks gender 'milestone' for Pharmaceutical Society

25 Nov 2021

Women on Boards member Sara Pantzer has been appointed to the Board of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) with Deanna Mill and Tony Evans.

Report reveals that women are more burned out—and more so than men

22 Nov 2021

The Women in the Workplace report is the largest study of women in corporate America. Conducted by McKinsey in partnership with LeanIn.Org, the study provides an overview of HR policies and programs—including HR leaders’ sentiment on the most effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices—and explores the intersectional experiences of different groups of women at work. 

What you should be thinking about when refreshing your whistleblowing systems and policies

15 Nov 2021

There are eight key elements to consider when refreshing your whistleblowing policy and systems, and with ASIC recently reiterating it is ready to enforce compliance with the Corporations Act's requirements, now is the time to do so.

More accountable, transparent, and strategic: Meet the board of the future. 

08 Nov 2021

Governance Institute of Australia has launched it Future of the board report. Based on a survey of 550 directors and executives as well as a high-level working group, the report outlines the challenges the board of the future is likely to face, what issues need to be on the radar now, and the skills and attributes board members will need to be effective. 

WOB welcomes Kylah Morrison

08 Nov 2021

Women on Boards warmly welcomes Kylah Morrison to the team, our new Western Australian representative. 

87% of ASX200 reported on ESG, but boards lack understanding

29 Oct 2021

Australia’s biggest listed companies are making a concerted effort to be transparent about their environmental, social and governance commitments, but more needs to be done to ensure ASX200 Boards are suitably skilled to navigate and understand complex ESG issues.

Smarts on so many levels: Cara Peek, Cressida Cains top AgriFutures Rural Women's Award

25 Oct 2021

“Smarts on so many levels”. That’s how Women on Boards member, and founding Deputy Chair of AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Panel, Susan Wilson, has described the women taking out top honours in the 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. 

Champions of Change Coalition launches 12 step plan to boost women leaders in tech

25 Oct 2021

Engineers Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans PHD AM, has joined CEOs of Telstra and Microsoft to urge 252 fellow members of the Champions of Change Coalition to ramp-up rollout of programs to reduce gender discrimination in the digital and tech space.

From overwhelming and impossible to possible: How we rolled out rapid antigen testing

25 Oct 2021

How we rolled out Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) in the workplace, by HUGO BOSS Australia HR Manager, Tracey Horton.

Director IDs: Who needs to apply and when?

21 Oct 2021

Georgia Milne, Holding Redlich

Directors get ready – applications for Director Identification Numbers open in November. In this article, Holding Redlich's Special Counsel, Georgia Milne, gives us a recap and revisits the requirements and looks at what directors can do to prepare.

Congratulations to WOBSX Katherine Woodthorpe AO syndicate

18 Oct 2021

WOB congratulates our most recent WOBSX Syndicate, led by experienced ASX Non Executive Director and Kathleen Conlon, who graduated recently.

What's your gender pay gap?

18 Oct 2021

UK legislation requires all organisations with over 250 employees to report their gender pay gap and publish it on their website. But WOB UK research shows reports for a quarter of the companies in the FTSE All-Share ex350 are “extremely hard to find”. In this article from WOB UK members in the UK are urged to look for their organisation’s gender pay gap report and report back how easy it was to find.  

Men and women in financial services out of step with each other on gender pay gap

13 Oct 2021

Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund said she couldn't put it any better than Financial Services Institute of Australia CEO Chris Whitehead who has said a report highlighting the persistent division between men and women’s perception about the extent of the gender pay gap is a wake-up call to the finance industry.
 

Australia Falls Behind on Gender Pay

11 Oct 2021

Australia has been a pioneer in equal pay legislation and mandated reporting on gender pay, yet has slipped behind other wealthy nations on gender equality.

Culturally diverse trio recognised in Women in Leadership scholarships

11 Oct 2021

Women on Boards has recognised the work of a doctor, creative strategist and finance specialist in awarding cultural diversity scholarships to its 2021 Women in Leadership Program.

Inaugural survey reveals that women miss out on board roles because of their cultural background

11 Oct 2021

One in three respondents to the inaugural WOB Counting Culture Survey believe they have missed out on a board or committee opportunity because of their cultural background. This increased to 53% for those born overseas compared with 17% for those born in Australia.

Vaccination objections: Not a diversity and inclusion issue

04 Oct 2021

Diveristy Council CEO Lisa Annese provides a thoughful opinion piece and explains why workplace policies that ask people to be vaccinated before they return to work are not a form of discriminiation against the unvaccinated.

Is your company just paying lip-service to mental health?

01 Oct 2021

Many businesses have mental health programs and staff training, but are they working? According to WA’s former Chief Mental Health Advocate, Debora Colvin, corporations need to make sure they are not just paying lip-service to mental health.

Lauren Jackson to head up Women and Girls Strategy for Basketball Australia

27 Sep 2021

Women on Boards has welcomed the news that Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson AO OLY is set to take on a new strategic role with Basketball Australia, with gender equality in the sport her main focus.

How to make remote working work for you, your business and your board

27 Sep 2021

‘I have vacillated between loving it and bemoaning the loneliness’. This is how one Women on Boards member described working from home since the COVID pandemic forced thousands to pivot into remote working set-ups. Here WOB members share their tips and insights on how to make make remote working work for you, your business and your board.

Tschüss Angela Merkel

27 Sep 2021

As Angela Merkel steps down as Germany's Vice Chancellor after four historic terms and 16 years, we celebrate and honour the rein of this humble and considred leader with 20 facts you may not know.

Vexed or Vaxed?

27 Sep 2021

Lately I have been having difficult conversations around the COVID 19 vaccination, writes Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund. Conversations with friends and on various social media platforms around individual rights versus collective responsibility; around the role and reach of Governments and human rights protections.

Don’t pack up your home office just yet: Remote working likely to stay

20 Sep 2021

The shift to working from home caused by the pandemic is one of the biggest changes to the way we work in the last 50 years. But don’t get ready to pack up your home office just yet. According to the federal government’s key economic advisor, remote working is here to stay long after the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN Women unveils new feminist roadmap for economic recovery and transformation

20 Sep 2021

The United Nations is calling on governments around the world to ensure the COVID-19 recovery shapes a more gender-equal and sustainable world.

40% gender target more realistic for BHP

20 Sep 2021

Women on Boards has welcomed BHP's revision of its ambitious target for a 50/50 gender split by 2025 as being more realistic. The mining giant will now push for 40% female representation across its 80,000-strong global workforce by 2025.

Can you mandate vaccinations in your organisation?

13 Sep 2021

By Michael Selinger, Jennifer van Bronswijk, Natasha Jones, Julia Wyatt and Olivia Lawrence of Holding Redlich
The impact of the COVID-19 Delta variant across the country is challenging how governments, public health experts and employers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, WOB Partner Holding Redlich law firm explores the legal basis for a mandatory vaccination policy and the key legal considerations for employers.

Making History: Female Presidents lead AFL 2021 Grand Final Football Clubs

13 Sep 2021

The Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs will head into the AFL Grand Final next Friday, (24 September) in Perth. For the first time in the history of the AFL the presidents of both football clubs are women.

Leading from the top - Vaccination across the nation

06 Sep 2021

While the Australian Government’s policy is that receiving a vaccination is free and voluntary, all but the most highly targeted lockdowns will end and the country will begin to reopen its international borders once 80% of eligible Australians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  To encourage everyone to get the jab it's vitally important that NEDs and businss leaders show some leaderhip and encourage their staff to get vaccinated. 

Legacy Leadership: A Framework for the Future

06 Sep 2021

We have some exciting news to share! Our first e-Book, Legacy Leadership, has been published.

Women's Health Week

06 Sep 2021

As Director of MS Queensland for over a decade and now as a board member of MS Australia, Johanna Roche has seen firsthand the devastating impact the disease can have on many people living with multiple sclerosis.

No more all-male boards on ASX200, but there's still work to be done

30 Aug 2021

By Women on Boards Executive Director, Claire Braund

The news that none of the ASX200 companies are devoid of at least one female board member has been celebrated around the markets with great fanfare, writes Women on Boards Executive Director, Claire Braund.

Directors urged to take action over gender pay gap rise

26 Aug 2021

Directors have a role to play in addressing Australia’s gender pay gap, with men now earning on average $261 a week more than their female counterparts, says Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund.

Do women on boards create more profit?

25 Aug 2021

By Fiona Hathorn, WOB UK CEO

As yet more research is published showing businesses with diverse boards and management teams are more profitable, we again see a push back saying that more women on boards don’t create more profit.

Shirley Chowdhary one of three women directors appointed to AAP Board

25 Aug 2021

Congratulations to Women on Boards member, Shirley Chowdhary, who has been appointed to the board of Australian Associated Press (AAP).

Vaccinations and workforce management: Questions to ask your business

23 Aug 2021

As debate about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in Australian workplaces intensifies, what should businesses thinking about introducing a mandate need to consider asks WOB partner, advisory firm Grant Thornton.

WOBSX graduate Sophie Ray new Board Chair for NAWO

23 Aug 2021

Congratulations to WOBSX Graduate Sophie Ray who has been announced as the new Board Chair for the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO).

Survey finds NEDs coping with lockdown … but cracks appearing

17 Aug 2021

MEDIA RELEASE 
Non-Executive Directors are professionally lonely, just coping with extended COVID lockdowns and saying that impacts on boardroom decision making and relationships are starting to appear, a recent Women on Boards survey has found.

A message to our sisters in Afghanistan

17 Aug 2021

Claire Braund, Executive Director of Women on Boards, sends a message to our sisters in Afghanistan and provides details on how you can help.
 

Mentoring women in STEM: I don't want girls to make the same mistakes I did

16 Aug 2021

As we celebrate National Science Week, Women on Boards has a chat with WOB member Fiona Hall about being a female trailblazer in space engineering, renewable energy and mining. 

Combatting the impacts of COVID-19 on women in STEM

16 Aug 2021

A new report has found the impact of COVID-19 on women in the STEM workforce across the Asia-Pacific region has heightened the challenges and barriers they face in progressing their careers.

FT’s Great Board Reboot: Is it time for a new agenda?

16 Aug 2021

In the wake of corporate scandals, a global pandemic and an uncertain economic and social recovery, all eyes are firmly on the board. Now new global research among board directors and international experts, including Women on Boards, reveals how they are embracing an evolution in their role and responsibilities.

New ASX NED role for Cheryl Hayman

16 Aug 2021

Long time WOB member and successful ASX Non Executive Director Cheryl Hayman, has added another ASX company to her board portfolio.

Extension of COVID relief for AGMs a major win as peak meeting season nears

12 Aug 2021

New laws allowing annual general meetings to be held electronically have just passed parliament, providing an extension of temporary relief for organisations across Australia as they rapidly head towards peak AGM season. 

Good news for ASX300, but Australia not achieving the gold standard

09 Aug 2021

A new report confirming that in 2021 ASX300 directors are more likely to be younger, better educated and female is good news, but not that surprising, writes Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund.

WOBSX Face to Face at the IPO Great Debate

03 Aug 2021

On July 14 during a brief hiatus between lockdowns, graduates and participants of the WOBSX program were hosted by Sandy Chakravarty at The IPO Network’s Great Debate – “Should the ASX allow SPACs?”.

ASX200 gender balance up 25% in 12 years

02 Aug 2021

WOB has welcomed a report which shows Australia is one of only three countries to reach 30% of women on boards on its top 200 listed companies without quotas.

Leanne Heywood OAM announced at next WOBSX Chair

02 Aug 2021

WOBSX is very excited to announce that Leanne Heywood OAM will Chair the upcoming Sydney WOBSX syndicate to commence later this year.

Governance Institute names Pauline Vamos as new Chair

02 Aug 2021

The Governance Institute of Australia has named former superannuation association chief executive Pauline Vamos as its new chair.

Diverse boards lead to better corporate culture and performance: report

26 Jul 2021

New board diversity research from the UK has found that the effort to diversify boards pays benefits in terms of boardroom culture and performance. 

Claire Braund appointed President of Central Coast Conservatorium

26 Jul 2021

Women on Boards Executive Director, Claire Braund, has become the new President of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Inc.

Boredom to Boardroom: 10 ways to boost your board career in lockdown

22 Jul 2021

COVID restrictions have put more than half of Australia's population under stay-at-home orders again, meaning it's back to working from home and Zoom meetings for many of us.

On your marks, get set: Why the Toyko Olympics are a milestone for female athletes

19 Jul 2021

The Tokyo Olympics are supposed to be a ‘landmark in gender equality’ — are the Games really a win for women? 

Take five minutes to fill in our Counting Culture survey

19 Jul 2021

Want to see more women from diverse backgrounds appointed to boards and committees? Women on Boards wants you to have your say and help make a difference by taking part in our inaugural Counting Culture Survey.

Gender equality in sport still a challenge for leadership roles

19 Jul 2021

As the world gears up for the start of the Tokyo Olympics - touted as a landmark in gender equality - an Australian report has found women are still being left behind when it comes to leadership roles in our elite sporting bodies.

Government flags personal liability for directors for cyber incidents

19 Jul 2021

The political focus on cyber security has continued with the Government publishing a discussion paper on Australia's cyber security regulation and incentives. Here WOB member and D&O claims expert Kate Boomer, Special Council with Clyde&Co, talks about the reforms up for discussion and what they mean for directors’ and officers’ liability for cyber incidents.  

Headhunters share tricks of the trade

19 Jul 2021

What are non-executive recruiters looking for in a board candidate? What do they want to know about you? And how does your ‘pitch’ really come across?

‘Don’t give anyone a reason to put you in the too-hard pile’: 7 steps to nailing your Board CV

19 Jul 2021

Want to get noticed by the right people? Follow these tips from WOB's co-founders Claire Braund and Ruth Medd on how to nail the perfect Board CV that will put you on top of the pile.

Stagnant salaries at top end of town as remuneration stalls — and falls: report

14 Jul 2021

Many CEOs, board directors and senior managers took a hit to the hip pocket during the last 12 months as the economic impact of COVID-19 bit and salaries were put on hold, a new national report has found. 

Appointments for Jennifer Cook and Melanie Laing

13 Jul 2021

WOBSX graduates Jennifer Cook and Melanie Laing have both been appointed to their first listed Boards.

Does your board need help meeting goals?

12 Jul 2021

How do you know if your board and organisation is meeting goals and making progress?Join specialist Fi Mercer from Governance Evaluator as she shares critical lessons and key insights into effective governance in a free Women on Boards webinar.

Barty Inspiration | What are your board dreams?

12 Jul 2021

When it comes to achieving your dream - whether it's securing your ideal board role or fulfilling a lifelong sporting ambition - take inspiration from newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty.

WOB gets behind 'green' artists

12 Jul 2021

Things are happening in WOB’s art world, with the launch of a group exhibition in Queensland's Mission Beach and the last few days to go at IWD Art Prize winner Melinda Hayton's show in Brisbane.

Seven steps to kick-start your board journey

12 Jul 2021

So you're ready to start your board journey. Here are seven steps to kick-start your board journey.

NAIDOC Week women get behind Heal Country theme

05 Jul 2021

This NAIDOC Week, Women on Boards celebrates the achievements of three remarkable women who have contributed their time and talents to the NAIDOC Week celebrations, including two new appointments to the National NAIDOC Committee (NNC).

Christine Holgate 'Post Mortem': Former Australia Post CEO on 4 Corners

05 Jul 2021

Christine Holgate is in the spotlight again, talking to ABC 4 Corners' reporter Michael Brissenden, as he takes a looks at the events at Australia Post that led to the downfall of the high-profile CEO.

Ruth’s Review: Three new CRCs announced

05 Jul 2021

Have you considered a board role on a CRC? They are generally professionally run, with appropriate governance structures and pay their directors. And the good news is three new CRCs have just been announced. But what are they all about?

KPMG's paid parental leave shake-up

05 Jul 2021

KPMG Australia has set a massive benchmark on paid parental leave extending the company’s scheme from 18 to 26 weeks.

Mentoring women not delivering the goods for ASX200

05 Jul 2021

Women occupy more than a third of board seats of ASX 200 companies for the first time, but the improvement is partially offset by analysis showing that only one in 10 blue-chip company chairs is female.

Malini Raj: Never underestimate the change one person can make

05 Jul 2021

As Head of Strategy for Multicultural Community Banking at Commonwealth Bank, Malini Raj introduced the hijab into the CBA corporate wardrobe. She’s also had brain surgery twice to treat a rare disease and was once in the Qantas Choir singing I Still Call Australia Home. 

Turf Club board to stand down over $12 grandstand probe

05 Jul 2021

Darwin Turf Club members have called for a special general meeting to select a new board in the wake of a damning ICAC report over a $12 million taxpayer-funded grandstand.

Trust your gut: The role of intuition in the boardroom

28 Jun 2021

Should we trust our gut when making boardroom decisions? ASX Non-Executive Director Cheryl Hayman looks at the role intuition plays in a director’s armoury and how it can be a powerful leadership tool.

Opportunity knocks: The re-education of Barnaby

28 Jun 2021

The political comeback of Barnaby Joyce has sparked debate from living rooms to boardrooms across all states. But this could be an opportunity for the Deputy Prime Minister to become more educated about how the behaviour of men impacts women.

Survey reveals six in 10 diverse women face discrimination at work

28 Jun 2021

Six in 10 Australian women of colour experience discrimination at work a survey has found, with racism, tokenism and sexism cited as the main challenges. 

Elevator talk: Is it time to practice your pitch?

24 Jun 2021

Do you know how to sell yourself in a 60-second pitch? 

Directors Dilemmas: How to avoid a boardroom clash

24 Jun 2021

Avoid a boardroom battle, with help from advisor and corporate governance guru, Julie Garland McLellan, in our live virtual workshops looking at real dilemmas faced by board members.  

Annabel Crabb lifts lid on untold stories of women in politics

24 Jun 2021

Annabel Crabb is lifting the lid on the untold stories of women in Australian politics in a new ABC TV series and podcast with comedian Steph Tisdell.

Governance Institute wraps up women-only flagship director course

22 Jun 2021

The Governance Institute of Australia has wrapped up its women-only version of its flagship director course, with a presentation from WOB Executive Director and co-founder Claire Braund.

Lights, camera, action: WOB films TV panel show

21 Jun 2021

WOB Executive Director and co-founder Claire Braund jumped in front of the camera recently to host a 'Next Level Roadmap - Women in Leadership' panel discussion and Q&A.

Let Them Eat Their Cake

21 Jun 2021

The brouhaha over last week’s vote at The Australian Club to remain male only has caused ripples and riposte from ropeable men and women from well beyond its Sydney environs.

Why culture needs to be at the top of your organisation's radar

21 Jun 2021

Culture has been identified as a major contributor to business success. But getting culture wrong can also play a major part in an organisation’s unravelling.  

Director Lunch back on the menu in Sydney

21 Jun 2021

Mingling was back on the menu in Sydney when WOB members met in person for the first Director Lunch after an 18-month hiatus.

The Hidden Truth

21 Jun 2021

A new report from Women on Boards UK | June 2021
Women on Board UK's new report gives the most comprehensive picture ever of the state of diversity and inclusion across the entire FTSE All-Share. For the first time, it examines every FTSE All-Share company below the 350 (FTSE All-Share ex350) and brings together the Gender Pay Gap data across those FTSE All-Share companies, who are required to, or choose to, report.

Congratulations to all Queen's Birthday Honours Recipients

14 Jun 2021

Congratulations to all those who received honours in this year's Queen's Birthday list. In particular the 416 female honourees, two of whom were given the top honour of AC;  Frances Adamson AC (Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and retired judge, Barbara Baker AC. Both are forthcoming state governors.

Founding board for March4Justice

11 Jun 2021

Women on Boards has been approached by March4Justice to assist its search for three Non-Executive Directors to join its newly formed organisation.

Women’s board representation impacts non-managerial gender inequality.

11 Jun 2021

Research examining women’s board representation and gender equality below executive level has found that women’s board representation significantly reduces workplace gender segregation.

Solomon Islands Women in Leadership Program

07 Jun 2021

The WOB team is looking forward to kicking off our inaugural Women in Leadership Program with the Institute of Solomon Island Accountants.

Claire Braund to anchor TV broadcast on Women in Leadership

07 Jun 2021

Claire Braund, Executive Director of Women on Boards, will anchor a local TV broadcast event on the topic of a 'women in leadership' on the Central Coast in June.

Rising to the Board

07 Jun 2021

 Claire Braund talks to the Newcastle Herald about why she co-founded Women on Boards and offers tips to women seeking board roles.  She says there is a board role for everyone, it's just a matter of finding the right role for you.

Financial awareness is key to NED professional development

04 Jun 2021

With the implementation of the Director Identification Numbers (DIN’s or Director ID’s) growing imminent, it will be important for Directors to understand the new obligations, as failure to apply for a DIN within the required time frame will leave you open to both criminal and civil penalties.

Mandatory Director Identification Numbers on the horizon

04 Jun 2021

With the implementation of the Director Identification Numbers (DIN’s or Director ID’s) growing imminent, it will be important to understand the new obligations for those operating in the capacity of a Director, as failure to apply for a DIN within the required time frame will leave you open to both criminal and civil penalties.

How do you Count Culture?

31 May 2021

New research from Diversity Council Australia (DCA) and the University of Sydney Business School has developed a standardised approach for defining, measuring, and reporting on workforce cultural diversity in a respectful, accurate and inclusive way.

German parliament to clear way for women quota on some company boards

31 May 2021

Germany's conservatives dropped their resistance on Friday to new legislation aimed at increasing gender equality on management boards after an agreement to give companies more time to adapt and to guarantee female executives maternity leave.

The Future of Flexiblity

31 May 2021

Fiona Hathorn, CEO of Women On Boards UK, considers how businesses and employees have benefited from flexible working during the coronavirus pandemic, and how they can continue to do so

NFAW calls for structural reform

24 May 2021

The Women on Boards sponsored Gender Lens on the Budget has called for structural reform, not tax cuts, to address workforce and social gender inequality.

WOB's Cultural Diversity Working Group is looking to correct the cultural diversity imbalance in Australian Boardrooms

24 May 2021

Women from culturally diverse backgrounds contribute to less than 2% of all boardrooms in Australian companies.  The Cultural Diversity Working Group at Women on Boards has been launched to address just this conundrum – to advocate having more culturally diverse women on boards.

New guide to navigating virtual AGMs, e-document execution and e-shareholder communications  

17 May 2021

To help organisations navigate the ongoing uncertainty around holding AGMs and executing electronic documents, a new guide has been released as a joint initiative between four key stakeholder groups.  

Housing Australia Future Fund needs buy-in

17 May 2021

The Federal Opposition’s promise to create a $10 billion off-budget Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to build social and affordable housing, is a step in the right direction but needs wide private and not-for-profit sector buy-in if it is to be sustainable for the next 30-40 years.

WOB and Art Sponsorship

17 May 2021

It’s important that an organisation like WOB supports community activities.  Particularly those that are often under-funded vis-à-vis women’s participation. As the Chair of WOB, I chose to support artists, primarily female artists and, more recently, those from rural and regional areas.

Federal Budget 2021 - Good Initiatives, No Surprises, More Needed on PPL

12 May 2021

MEDIA RELEASE

Women on Boards welcomes the $3.4b in the Federal Budget directly impacting women and the release of a specific women’s budget statement.

10 Proactive questions every board member should be asking

10 May 2021

Harvard Business Review, April 2021
Being a board member isn’t easy. You have responsibility for a company but limited means to really understand it — and that understanding is often mediated by management. Boards only see what they’re presented with and can easily become passive recipients of agendas created by powerful CEOs and senior executives.

Claire in Canberra with The Office for Women and WOBMeet

03 May 2021

Claire Braund was in Canberra last week and caught up with a few WOB members at the National Press Club. It was only our second live event since COVID and we all relished the opportunity to have a lively and meaningful discussion with a group of like-mined women.

Port Arthur massacre a defining moment for Claire Braund (& WOB) 25 years ago

03 May 2021

Claire Braund was at a brunch for women in journalism in Hobart 25 years ago, when she took a call she will never forget.

Major new features on LinkedIn

26 Apr 2021

LinkedIn has taken things next level with a host of new features that are vital for any non executive director, leader or those emerging.

The Pace of Change and the Future Fit Board

26 Apr 2021

In a technology-enabled transformative age, Cheryl Hayman FAICD explores how businesses have moved outside of traditional capabilities and continue to explore new business models and ways of working, including in the boardroom. To keep pace, boards need to reshape and reimagine their roles in order to ensure they are future-fit. But what are the critical trends and influences that are feeding this unprecedented pace of change (COVID notwithstanding) and what does a future-fit board look like?

WOB Recommends 30 Weeks and Shared Paid Parental Leave

26 Apr 2021

Women on Boards welcomes the very modest ask from The Business Council of Australia on raising the childcare subsidy from 85–95 percent but recommends going to a total of 30 weeks shared Paid Parental Leave.

Lest We Forget

23 Apr 2021

Women on Boards commemorates ANZAC Day 2021 and pays tribute to the many women who have served this country since the Boer War in 1899 – and who continue to serve.

Holgate in ‘female friendly’ PM’s blind spot

12 Apr 2021

If ever there was a case of exquisite timing, it occurred in Parliament last week. At almost the same time the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was heading his new ‘women’s cabinet’, the former CEO of Australia Post, Christine Holgate, was thumping down her lengthy and critical report in the Senate.

New .au licensing rules contain changes to the org.au namespace

12 Apr 2021

New licensing rules mean that unincorporated associations will no longer be eligible to hold ‘org.au’ domain names unless they are a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC).  While most sporting organisations will be incorporated as a separate legal entity, some organisations may not be, and NSOs and SSOs should ensure that they and their member clubs and associations are aware of this change. 

Staving off a pink recession

01 Apr 2021

Women have borne the brunt of the pandemic-induced economic downturn, and initiatives to boost female participation in the workforce are an important pathway out of challenging times.

WOB Executive Chair Ruth Medd has been quoted in this article in the CPA Magazine, In the Black.  

One year on : COVID-19 Lessons for boards

29 Mar 2021

The onset of the pandemic in Australia one year ago prompted much hardship and anxiety. But a much talked about silver lining was the innovation, disruption, and dizzying pivoting that also took place as businesses were forced to adapt to survive.

Latest update: ASIC issues 'no-action' position on virtual AGMs and notices of meeting

29 Mar 2021

ASIC has today issued a ‘no-action’ position on virtual meetings and electronic notices of meeting. The regulator adopted this position after temporary measures permitting Australian corporations to hold virtual and hybrid meetings and enabling the electronic execution of documents and digital shareholder communications expired on 21 March. 

Claire Braund appointed to the Coast Shelter Emergency Accomodation Ltd Board

29 Mar 2021

WOB Executive Director Claire Braund has been appointed to the board of Coast Shelter Emergency Accommodation Ltd.

Women on Boards supports Liberal party quotas

24 Mar 2021

Women on Boards has long been calling for quotas in government and supports Scott Morrison's call for quotas yesterday.  But the real question is how is he going to convince the Federal Liberal Party that quotas are the way to go? 

AGM Intelligence Report - 2021

22 Mar 2021

After surveying its *top clients, Computershare has published its 2021 AGM Intelligence report, which has uncovered that 2020 was a year when we all learned how to do things differently.

​*Computershare looks after 50% of the ASX300

ESG - A top board priority in 2021

19 Mar 2021

ESG - Environmental Social Governance - was a hot topic at this year's AICD Governance Summit and has been identified as one of six priorities for boards in 2021. 

Gendered violence unacceptable; but the law is the law

15 Mar 2021

Today’s series of March4Justice events against sexism and gendered violence are a warning shot to the Government and other institutions that Australia needs to get on top of this issue - and fast. The independent inquiry into the culture of Parliament House by Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, is a great first step and should be fully supported and resourced. My fear is that it will not be done quickly enough to satisfy the justifiable outrage that many women have about gender-based violence being swept under the carpet.

Claire Braund is Terrigal’s Woman of the Year

12 Mar 2021

WOB Executive Diretor and Terrigal resident, Claire Braund, has been named Terrigal electorate’s 2021 Woman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding work in the community.

WOB Members Choose to Challenge

06 Mar 2021

This year Women on Boards celebrates International Women’s Day speaking to women in the WOB network who have chosen to challenge during their career.  Here’s what they had to say

Aspirations for Local Government? Let us know

01 Mar 2021

In September this year, NSW will hold its Local Government Election. Women currently represent less than one third (33%) of all councillors and mayors serving on the 128 councils in NSW. The figure is only marginally better (35%) for all Councils in Australia.

WOB Members secure four key board roles

22 Feb 2021

In the space of two days last week Women on Boards received news of four key appointments to significant board roles. Our congratulations to....

Is KPMG Chair victim of unconscious bias training?

15 Feb 2021

Did Bill Michael really get it that wrong? Why unconscious bias needs a closer look ... and the paradox of Eddie!

Diane Grady AO WOBSX Syndicate Graduates

15 Feb 2021

WOB Congratulates our most recent WOBSX Syndicate, led by experienced Non Executive Director and Chair, Mark Richardson, who graduated in Sydney last week.

Governance News - with Professor Ngaire Woods CBE

15 Feb 2021

Professor Ngaire Woods CBE, founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at Oxford University discusses how governments can build back with business and not-for-profits after the crisis of 2020.

Shareholders - Enrol your toenails

09 Feb 2021

In this article, WOB Chair, Ruth Medd, gives a new take on the responsibilities of shareholders in enabling the success of new companies. In this instance in the highly charged world of biotech which, with the COVID pandemic threatening our world, can be seen as critical to our future.

Claire Braund in Top 10 Central Coast Businesswomen

08 Feb 2021

Co-Founder and Director of WOB, Claire Braund, was featured by the News owned Express Advocate as one of the Central Coast region’s top 10 women in business.

Congratulations to our 2021 Order of Australia recipients

01 Feb 2021

Women on Boards congratulates our members who have received Australia Day Honours this year:
Nadia Moffatt OAM for service to community health, particularly to people with a brain injury.
Bernadette Black AM for significant service to youth, to local government, and to the community.
Barbara Hingston AM for significant service to community health, and to people with disabilities. Read more....

Rural WOB Member appointed to NSW Biodiversity Council

01 Feb 2021

Women on Boards is celebrating another big success with the news that rural member, Karen Zirkler, has been appointed to the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

Claire Braund talks to Tom Elliott from 3AW on gender quotas

27 Jan 2021

3AW Drive host Tom Elliott spoke to WOB Executive Director Claire Braund following the call by veteran NED, Sally Pitkin, to bring in gender quotas.

Insights into AGMs held in 2020

23 Jan 2021

The events of 2020, including devastating bushfires and a global pandemic, have had reverberating effects on corporate Australia and this was reflected in the 2020 AGM season.  In this article, Allyson Porter from Computershare provides insights into 2020 AGMs.

Margot Foster AM OLY appointed to Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council

11 Jan 2021

Women on Boards congratulates Margot Foster AM OLY on her appointment to the Sport Intergrity Australia Advisory Council.  

Directorship in the Raw

11 Jan 2021

In her first article for 2021, WOB Chair Ruth Medd explains why ‘directorship in the raw’ is important to grasp and why it's important for current and aspiring directors to read the AFR.

Our 2020 Christmas Message

22 Dec 2020

The team at Women on Boards is thankful for your support and encouragement in 2020.

New property fund seeks NEDS

14 Dec 2020

In November 2020 WOB was contacted by the principals of Secure Growth Property Funds to assist with the recruitment of women to join either an advisory entity or their board. They had questions around how to recruit, where to look and what to offer...all ably answered by WOB.

New modern slavery reporting requirements

07 Dec 2020

By Holding Redlich partner Natashia Ackroyd and graduate Sam Marks
With the first season of the modern slavery reporting deadline fast approaching (31 December 2020), Holding Redlich outlines the new reporting obligations and their underlying objectives.  They also take a look at the property and construction industry, which is more susceptible to modern slavery due to the fact that it is so labour-intensive and heavily reliant on the supply of international raw materials.  

Asleep at the wheel

27 Nov 2020

The Workplace Gender Equality Agency gender balance scorecard is out and its not a great story.

WOB UK Calls for Audit on Gender/ Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting 

23 Nov 2020

WOB UK CEO Fiona Hathorn takes a candid look at the UK's gender and ethnicity pay gap reporting.  By comparsion Australia has compulsory pay gap reporting via the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for non public sector organisations who employe 100+ staff, but at this stage we have no ethnicity reporting.  WOB is making moves to work towards this with our Culture Diversity Working Group.  Here Fiona delves into what's happening (and not happening) in the UK.

Vale Dame Margaret Guilfoyle AC DBE

23 Nov 2020

By Claire Braund

When Marie Coleman AO PSM,  poked fun on twitter about her friend Dame Margaret Guilfoyle AC DBE, being ‘a dame’ she replied, “I have been called much worse.”  here is little doubt that Dame Margaret, who passed away last week at the age of 94, had incurred the sharp tongue of many a male during her stellar political career forged in the late 60’s and 70’s as the second wave of feminism really took hold.

Record Breaker and Role Model

09 Nov 2020

Women on Boards congratulates Kamala Harris, the first woman and only the second person of colour to hold executive office in the United States.

Always Was, Always Will Be - NAIDOC Week

09 Nov 2020

Always Was, Always Will Be. recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. 

Director liability for environmental offences

02 Nov 2020

Did you know that directors and managers can be liable for environmental offences committed by a corporation?
There are strong policy reasons for holding directors liable for environmental offences by corporations. 

!Snap Emails Explained

02 Nov 2020

Have you received a !Snap email from WOB and wondered why?  Well you would not be alone – as this recent post on WOB’s online community platform, WOBShare showed.

Cultural diversity on boards is a global issue

26 Oct 2020

WOB UK CEO Fiona Hathorn says that we need a renewed focus on the representation of both gender and ethnicity on boards.

To Pay or not to pay – That may be the question?

26 Oct 2020

Should directors of NFP’s be remunerated?  I have been an advocate for directors of Not For Profit companies that run a business to be remunerated for some time. So, what are the pros and cons?

Few are chosen in our great ‘meritocracy’

26 Oct 2020

The myth of meritocracy is exploded in this latest report by Ownership Matters. 

It's Official! Funding the Care Sector Works For Women

19 Oct 2020

Independent analysis has found that Government investment in the female dominated care sector would deliver economic stimulus, with women as the main beneficiaries.

Cultural Diversity Next Frontier in Australia’s Boardrooms

15 Oct 2020

Women on Boards has used the 10th anniversary of its biennial Boardroom Gender Diversity Index to push for greater cultural diversity in Australian boardrooms.

Anglo women’s boardroom representation at historically high levels

15 Oct 2020

While there is a paucity of culturally diverse men or women in Australian boardrooms, female representation on boards has been rising steadily across range of sectors tracked by WOB since 2010.

Credit Unions fall short

15 Oct 2020

As part of our 2020 Board Gender Diversity Index (BGDI), Women on Board (WOB) measured 86 entities listed as Australian Deposit Taking Institutions (ADTI) - Credit Unions / Building Societies / Banks. There was a small increase in the number of women on boards in 2020 to 31.3%, however in general the progress in this sector is not encouraging, particulalry for a recalcitrant group of five Credit Unions who have no female board members.

Credible Women Criticise 2020 Budget

12 Oct 2020

Criticism of the Federal Budget for not addressing the gendered nature of the Covid pandemic has grown from ‘credible women’ (#crediblewomen) across Australia. Claire Braund outlines WOB’s response in this article.

Katherine Woodthorpe syndicate fully subscribed

05 Oct 2020

Our seventh WOBSX syndicate is now fully subscribed and set to commence on 4 November, 2020.

Vale Susan Ryan, AO….and Thank You

28 Sep 2020

By Claire Braund, Executive Director, Women on Boards

Yesterday, Australian feminism lost one of its old guard.  One of the legends in the battle for greater equality, fairness and justice for women, children, the aged and the underprivileged in this country. A public servant in the true sense of the word.

CEW ASX200 Census reveals that progress for women has flatlined

18 Sep 2020

On the release of CEW and Bain's ASX200 Senior Executive Census, Claire Braund questions the role of executive search firms in these continued low numbers.

Do Women on Boards Yield Diverse CEOs?

16 Sep 2020

In light of Citibank (USA) appointing Jane Fraser as its new CEO, Darren Rosenblum from Forbes outlines three key reasons that having women on boards is more likely to yield diverse CEOs.

A Woman of ‘A Certain Age’

14 Sep 2020

As our Executive Director, Claire Braund, turns 50 today, she reflects on why this milestone, reached in the year of Covid, seems more significant than other decades.

WOB Meets the Minister for Women

14 Sep 2020

Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne, met with WOB Executive Director Claire Braund, on the Central Coast on Friday, to talk about issues impacting women's economic security and wellbeing. 

Libby Lyons - Frank and Fearless for Gender Justice

07 Sep 2020

Libby Lyons, the straight-talking Executive Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, is blunt in her assessment of what is needed to address some pretty appalling statistics when it comes to women’s workforce participation in some industries.

Practical tips for directors – how to manage and minimise risks at a board level 

31 Aug 2020

By Holding Redlich partner Trent Taylor and senior associate Yvonne O'Byrne
For anyone who is a director or considering an appointment, it's worth refreshing your understandiing of exactly what "directors and officers" are responsible for.  In this article Holding Redlich provides an overview of the duties of directors and some practical steps directors can take to ensure compliance. And these duties extend more broadly than you may think, based on a recent High Court decision in ASIC V King (2020), which reviewed the question of "who is an officer for the purpose of the Corporations Act?."
 

Cultural Diversity Working Group

31 Aug 2020

Women on boards has established a working group to address the barriers to opportunity and access to leadership and board/committee roles for culturally diverse women in Australia.

Gender Pay Gap: the COVID unknown

28 Aug 2020

The national gender pay gap remains officially at 14%, but is yet to reflect the full impact of COVID 19 on the workforce - and women in particular.

Will David Murray’s exit result in ‘meaningful change’?

24 Aug 2020

The man brought in to be a safe pair of hands after the “clearly disastrous reign of Catherine Brenner and four other women at AMP”, has resigned – just two years into the job.

More women on boards should mean a greater focus on harassment

21 Aug 2020

On the back of the the latest quarterly Gender Diversity Report released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors this week, WOB Executive Director Claire Braund, spoke to the Financial Review.  Read what Claire had to say.

How do Chairs prepare for board meetings?

17 Aug 2020

Interesting survey on the mechanics of setting up a board meeting by VUCA, showing that high performing Chairs have a significant impact on board performance, and in turn organisational performance. 

Lil Bianchi's journey to the ASX

17 Aug 2020

WOBSX graduate Lil Bianchi was appointed to 4DMedical in 2019.  Following their float on 7 August 2020, she is now delighted to be the NED of an ASX board.

2020 Fortune Global 500 list hits all time diversity low

12 Aug 2020

The 2020 Fortune Global 500 List, released on 10 August, shows that woman run just 13 out of the 500 top companies globally - one less than last year.  And this year is the first year since 2014, when the data was first collected, in which zero women of colour made the list.  

WOB congratulates Bridget Loudon- the youngest person to join an ASX200 board

12 Aug 2020

Women on Boards congratulates Bridget Loudon (& Telstra for their foresight), the co-founder of Expert 360, who has become the youngest non executive director to join an ASX200 on the announcement of her appointment to the Telstra board.

Director tax liability increases

10 Aug 2020

Caitlan Murdock, Senior Associate, Holding Redlich,10 August 2020
Under the director penalty regime (DPR) company directors are now liable for all of a company's PAYG liability, GST, luxury car tax, wine equalisation tax liabilities and SGC liabilities.  

Talking women, money & the gender pay gap at WOBChat

10 Aug 2020

It was a bit book club and a bit financial advisory last week, as WOB chatted with member, Kate McCallum, on her book 'The Joy of Money - The Australian women's guide to financial independence'.

Measures allowing virtual AGMs extended

10 Aug 2020

The Australian government has extended measures allowing companies to hold virtual annual shareholder meetings. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said special rules allowing online-only shareholder meetings would be extended for a further six months, making them valid until March 21, 2021.  

IPO Network and WOBSX

10 Aug 2020

One benefit of being part of the WOBSX program is being part of the IPO Network through WOB, which became a member in 2019.

WOB search gives Natalie first ASX board role

03 Aug 2020

Another WOB member has been appointed to boards within the ASX-listed, Centuria Capital Group (ASX:CNI).

Women in leadership equal better performance - across the globe

31 Jul 2020

Data from Australia and now the UK, shows that no matter what side of the world you're on, having women in leadership positions leads to better company performance.  These findings draw on the Women Count 2020 (UK) report, released on 31 July 2020 and the BCEC WGEA 2020 Gender Insights report released in June 2020.

Project Based Advisory Entities

27 Jul 2020

Today, WOB spoke to members of the accessible arts community, about the opportunities for serving on advisory entities.  But just how do they work.......?

WOB Teams with Accessible Arts to provide training for people with a disability

20 Jul 2020

Women on Boards has teamed up with Accessible Arts to provide board and committee member training for people with disability.  

What are members talking about?

20 Jul 2020

At WOB we often say that one of the greatest intangible benefits of being a *member is the access and exposure to our incredible network of extraordinary and generous women.  WOBShare now makes the intangible tangible

A COVID story : Mindsets around flexible working to shift

17 Jul 2020

For many organisations, the disruption of COVID-19 has rewritten the business case for flexible ways of working. It has also changed the way we view how, when, where and by whom work gets done.

Under the Cloak of COVID © - Corporate Psychopaths and Bullies come out to play ©

06 Jul 2020

Are you one of the silent majority - passive, disinterested or status oriented directors complying with the psychopath's directions OR are you one of the engaged minority - courageous, indpendent non-executive directors who are opposing the self-interested actions of the corporate psychopaths and bullies by standing up for the rule of law, principle and good governance?

This article by Fiona Shand FAICD looks at the Achieved Influencers (the good guys) and the Derived Influencers (the pschopaths and bullies) and how the latter have used the Cloak of COVID to come out to play.  Strong independent voices - those standing up for good governance practice and compliance with the law - risk being marginalised, victimised or forced to resign rather than risk their reputations by condoning improper behaviour.

Zita Peach to Chair next Melbourne WOBSX syndicate

06 Jul 2020

WOBSX has achieved a hat trick when it comes to highly accomplished female directors who have thrown their support behind the program. Zita Peach will chair the next Melbourne Syndicate - joining Kathleen Conlon (Sydney) and Tanya Cox (online). 

Women on Boards and The Governance Institute become partners

28 Jun 2020

Women on Boards is delighted to announce the launch of a partnership with The Governance Institute of Australia.

Causal Link Established for Gender Impact on Company Performance

22 Jun 2020

A world first-study establishing a strong causal relationship between increasing the share of board and leadership roles given to women and improved company performance, has been released in Australia.

Kelly Humphreys secures second ASX role

22 Jun 2020

WOBSX graduate, Kelly Humphreys, has secured her second ASX board role in as many months, with the announcement that she has been appointed to NSX Limited.

Director Identity Number (DIN) Bill Passed

17 Jun 2020

Under a new bill that was passed by Federal Parliament on 12 June 2020, all current and new company directors will need to verify their identity and obtain a Director Identity Number (DIN) for life. 

Virtual AGM Handbook

15 Jun 2020

Learning from the successful delivery of over 600 virtual meetings around the globe in 2020, Computershare has developed a Virtual AGM Handbook which highlights the key elements you need to plan for success, including: technology, managing Q&A and preparing the board.

Culture always wins

07 Jun 2020

Culture always wins – it is stronger than anything else. This was a key message from Matthew Croxford, Partner and National Head of Human Capital at Grant Thornton, in a recent presentation for Women on Boards.

Kathleen Conlon joins the team

01 Jun 2020

Highly regarded NED, Kathleen Conlon, will chair the next WOBSX Sydney Syndicate in 2020.

Women Who Innovate

01 Jun 2020

The Women Who Innovate series celebrates women who are adopting an innovative approach to business - often harnessing surplus products & services in a new and creative way and doing social good. 

 

More work, less care & it's still gendered

25 May 2020

Men may not realise it, but they have been a social experiment for the duration of COVID-19. 

ASX-100 Director Report Reveals Gender Inequality

11 May 2020

In its inaugural report on the 563 non executive directors sitting on the ASX100, Apollo Communications found that on average male directors earn 20% more than their female colleagues ($263,144 vs $218,696), for no obvious reason.

Key work health and safety considerations for Boards during the COVID-19 pandemic

04 May 2020

By Louise Rumble, Partner, and Georgie Richardson, Associate, Holding Redlich Lawyers
How is your board ensuring WHS compliance to eliminate risk under COVID-19. This article looks at key work health and safety issues Boards need to be aware of, and address, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Accidental Advisory Board Member

27 Apr 2020

In this article Ruth explains how a telephone survey resulted in her joining an Advisory Board and reviews three online and board management products - timely given COVID-19 necessitates boards to operate "virtually". 

Board Recruitment Post COVID-19

27 Apr 2020

Finding the right board talent to lead organisations through the recovery phase of the pandemic has never been more critical.’  We asked our recruiters who post with WOB what they are seeing and doing in the Director market during COVID-19.

Margaret Jackson syndicate is fully subscribed

20 Apr 2020

The sixth syndicate in the WOBSX director-led peer mentoring program for women seeking ASX roles, is officially underway.

The On-switch is never Off in the new world of work

20 Apr 2020

The new world of working in COVID-19 can be exhausting, with a lot time spent in online meetings, presentations and events. If you play a major role in these activities, then you find that you need to be ON all the time. No looking away, checking your phone, leaving the room for a toilet break – but continuous focus and engagement. In this article I explore why this is the case and gives a few tips for being able to enjoy this rare time in our lives.

WOB Supports Basketball Australia

09 Apr 2020

Over the past 12 years WOB has built an impressive bank of highly accomplished and experienced members, making it ideally placed to help organisations build boards and governance committees.  Basketball Australia is a great example of how we do this.

Imagine the world post Coronavirus, act towards it and 'do your bit'

29 Mar 2020

In times of crisis our first responsibility as company directors is the health and safety of our workforce, then we need to quickly step up to the many other business challenges. The Executive can run the business on a day to day basis.  It’s when the hard stuff comes along that directors show their worth and their wisdom and judgment is needed. It is also when we as citizens show our true worth.

A Lifesaving Reason To Have More Women On Boards: Ensuring Consumer Safety

29 Mar 2020

A new study of the medical products industry — the first to examine the impact of female board representation on product recalls — finds that firms with female directors on their boards announce high-severity recalls 28-days faster than all-male boards.

Board leadership and performance in a crisis

29 Mar 2020

Every industry across the globe has faced a crisis at some point in time. While most large companies survive, many struggle for years following a period of severe adversity. Others prevail and become stronger than before. How companies address crises has changed over time, as has the role of the board.

Watershed for Australia | Working Collaboratively | Lamb roasts go virtual!

23 Mar 2020

This weekend has been a watershed in our country’s history. Like no other it has shown both how vulnerable and resilient we are as a society and a species; what good and bad leadership looks like; and the huge role that both organisations and individuals have in getting us through this crisis.

COVID-19 - Impact & Risk

12 Mar 2020

Govering during a pandemic requires acting quickly and cooperatively. Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 primarily impact organisations  in terms of operations and people.  If you are Non Executive Director it's important that you are across the issues and know how they will impact your organisation.  We've collated reference material that you might find valuable to help determine the necessary steps to mitigate risk in your organiston. Click here

Innovative Parents on Leave Launches

09 Mar 2020

Women on Boards is proud to be partnering with the boutique organisation, Parents on Leave™, to provide an innovative new program for men and women who are on parental leave.

WOBSX graduates make inroads into Australian investment community

02 Mar 2020

WOBSX Chair, Mark Richardson, will host 10 WOBSX graduates at the highly anticipated 2020 Australian Investment Council (AIC) gala dinner in Sydney this week. The graduates will be also joined by Melinda Snowden, who chaired the 2018 Elizabeth Bryan syndicate, for WOBSX.

High Levels of Frustration with Board Recruitment 

07 Feb 2020

Lack of transparency, professionalism and peer support are just some of the frustrations with the board recruitment process, according to new research commissioned by market leading advocacy and director placement group, Women on Boards.

Honour a Woman

24 Jan 2020

When you peruse the honours list in the Australia Day Awards this year, make a mental note of how many women have been recognised. Then make a further mental note to ensure a woman you know is worthy of our country’s highest level of recognition is nominated in the future.

ESG and Climate Risk

17 Jan 2020

Insufficient attention is being paid to environmental social governance (ESG) and climate risk, despite the strong likelihood that it will impact business in the future, according to findings from a WOB survey conducted over two weeks in January 2020.

Ruths wrap on 2019 Vacancy Postings

11 Jan 2020

The WOB Vacancy Board * continues to grow and provide vital benefits to our members. The good news is that the number of remunerated positions offered on the WOB Vacancy Board increased to nearly 66% in 2019.**

Unfit Westpac Directors urged to keep thinking about the children they have harmed

12 Dec 2019

MEDIA RELEASE
Experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director, Ruth Medd, has spoken out ahead of the Westpac AGM, saying the directors of Westpac are “clearly not fit for purpose having collectively presided over what has become a catastrophe.”

WOBSX Launches Syndicate 5

02 Dec 2019

The latest WOBSX syndicate kicked off in Sydney in November 2019, chaired by Rob Shaw from Credit Corp (ASX:CCP). The syndicate is named after well known NED and Chair, Susan Oliver AM and is the 5th syndicate in the highly successful WOBSX program.

Up Close with Julie Green

04 Nov 2019

We had a great WOBMeet in Melbourne on Monday night with guest panellist Julie Green at the Emerald Peacock.  We were delighted to see many regular WOBers, including Sheena Wilson, Ruth Wilson, Marlene Elliot and more.

Claire Braund, WOB Executive Director, got up close with Julie Green to discuss her boardroom journey and what she’s learned along the way.

40% Should be Target for ASX

03 Nov 2019

Women on Boards has taken issue with the AICD and its affiliates setting a target of 30% for female board representation for the ASX200 and then complaining when companies only reach 29.5%. WOB Executive Director, Claire Braund, said the target for female representation on boards needs to be 40% across all sectors - including the ASX. 

Shift to the boardroom a slow burn

27 Oct 2019

In 2010 when Emeritus Professor Julie Cotter was thinking about a shift to the boardroom, she completed her Company Directors course and then started to look around for roles.  As she told the assembled guests at the Women on Boards Director Lunch at Clayton Utz in Brisbane last week, she had ‘some success, but not as much as she expected.'

One Giant Leap for Womankind

19 Oct 2019

On October 18, NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch, performed the first all-woman spacewalk. This was the fourth spacewalk for Christina Koch and the first for Jessica Meir.  But they almost didn't get there together!

"It doesn't seem to come in my size" are words that will resonate with many frustrated female apparel shoppers around the globe. While this issue often causes annoyance, it is rarely earth shattering. However, for Koch and Meir, the lack of size 'medium' on the space suit rack could have prevented them from being the first all-female team to walk - or technically 'float' - in space last Friday.

Supporting Shirley at Global Women's Summit

18 Oct 2019

Women on Boards is proud to be sponsoring Professor Shirley Randell AO to take part in the "Global Gender Summit’ being organised by the African Development Bank in Rwanda from 25-27 November. WOB will contribute $1,000 towards Shirley’s travel to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to take part in the summit.

The Times are a Changing

14 Oct 2019

Read our final report from this year's Next Generation of Female Leaders Program. The Vida Goldstein syndicate looked into how business culture has changed through time in Australia.  Their 'article based report' was developed by looking back at culture over the decades and insights shared by key business leaders interviewed.

Insead interview with Rowena Ironside of WOB UK

06 Oct 2019

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Leading from Chair: Building the skills for the next stage of your career.
 Rowena Ironside, chair and co-founder of Women on Boards UK, talk to Insead about the leading-edge thinking, the tools, insights and frameworks that Leading from the Chair delivers to address the exciting and manifold challenges ahead.

Leading Through Disruption

03 Oct 2019

Read the third of our four reports from his year's Next Generation of Female Leaders Program. This week's report from the Susan Alberti Syndicate looked at 'Leading Through Disruption'. The report is based on indepth interviews with key industry leaders and their own academic and social research.

Natural Born Leaders?

26 Sep 2019

Read the second of our four reports from this year's Next Generation of Female Leaders Program. This week's report from the Nancy Bird Walton syndicate, examines the concept of 'Natural Born Leaders?' The findings are based on interviews with 20 influential leaders, key reports and literature.

AGM Trends

26 Sep 2019

Running an AGM poses challenges.  Computershare has compiled data from 2018 to develop these interesting statistics.

Cheryl Hayman Appointed to third ASX Board

23 Sep 2019

Long time WOB member, Cheryl Hayman, has joined her third ASX board with the announcement of her appointment as an independent non-executive director to Shriro Holdings Limited (ASX: SHM).

Next Gen Graduation Celebration

20 Sep 2019

WOB congratulates our twenty-one Next Gen graduates who attended the final two days of our program at AON in Sydney this week. We had great presentations, robust discussion, metamorphic personal development and deep personal connections between the graduates, mentors, presenters and WOB staff.

Leadership in the Digital Age

20 Sep 2019

Read the first of our four reports from his year's Next Generation of Female Leaders Program. This week's report from the Eleanor Harding Syndicate looked at 'Leadership in the Digital Age'. The report is based on indepth interviews with key industry leaders and their own academic and social research.

Crowd Funding New Sectors

13 Sep 2019

We are seeing a growing trend in the number of Women on Boards members who are involved as founders, advisors, directors or investors in what is loosely termed ‘the innovation space’. This is exciting for WOB and a great opportunity to expand our networks and test out new marketplaces.

WOB warmly welcomed by Australian Investment Council

13 Sep 2019

It was a big week for WOBSX with 10 of the program graduates invited as guests to the Australian Investment Council Conference at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (11th & 12th Sept). The WOB members were accompanied by AIC member, Mark Richardson, an experienced chairman & investment management professional who introduced the WOB team to the conference. A number of them shared their thoughts on the event.

Women going backwards at the top of corporate Australia

11 Sep 2019

Claire Braund talks to Fiona Ellis-Jones on ABC News Radio about a new report that shows the number of female CEOs running Australia's largest companies actually went backwards last year.

Juggling Governance

06 Sep 2019

A diverse group of WOB members enjoyed hearing how governance guru, Trisha Mok, juggles two board roles, four committees, a full-time executive position and Oscar (seven-year-old son) at a lunch in Sydney last week.

Life Lessons from not making the A Team

01 Sep 2019

We had a great Melbourne WOBMeet last week with guest speaker Marlene Elliott, Non-Executive Director Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) and Netball Victoria and very successful netball player and coach.

Marlene spoke about her interesting career progression from senior management at KPMG to her decision to leave Adelaide and move to Melbourne at the tender age of 50 to progress her career and expand her board portfolio.

She shared how she went from the B Netball Team at school to represent South Australia at the Nationals and how being overlooked for the A Team taught her many valuable lessons.

Mentoring Focus at WOBMeet WA

01 Sep 2019

Non-Executive Director, WOB mentor and executive leadership consultant, Sheena Wilson was a special guest at the latest WOBMeet in Perth last week.  Sheena, who was over from Melbourne, joined WOB Executive Director Claire Braund, at the 5-7pm networking event, to provide attendees with some sage advice about  mentoring, career development and helping individuals with career transitions.

 

What is on the agenda of an O&G company

01 Sep 2019

Among the top items on the boardroom agenda in the oil and gas sector in 2019 are finance, health, safety & environment and engaging with community around land access, according to experienced Non-Executive Director, Marie Malaxos. She said this represents a significant shift from 10-plus years ago and reflects the increased community engagement in oil and gas projects via digital and social media and the change in community attitudes towards resource extraction.

The WOB Jobs Board - the stats, cats, racing and more...

24 Aug 2019

The WOB ‘Jobs Board’ is well recognised as the place to post a board or committee role if you are serious about finding a female director for your organisation. It’s free to post a position, the information is quality checked and controlled, all positions are communicated weekly to the entire WOB database and applications numbers are monitored and additional services offered if required.

Australia falls behind on gender pay gap

19 Aug 2019

Australia's gender pay gap has remained stable at 14% (WGEA), however recent data shows we are falling behind the rest of the world.  According to international rankings by the World Economic Forum, Australia was ranked 15th in 2006 but fell 24 places to 39th in 2018.

Are you prepared for the new Whistleblower laws? Penalties do apply!

16 Aug 2019

Hint – the new law has nothing to do with sport referees and their whistles.

Did you know that new laws went into effect on the 1 July 2019 in respect to whistleblowers? And did you know that there are significant fines associated with non-compliance? For example, penalties greater than $1m for an individual or greater than $10m or 25% of annual turnover (capped at $525m) for a company. Are your boards and organisations prepared for this new law?

In The Fox Hole

02 Aug 2019

Recent WOBSX graduate and the latest addition to the board of Syrah Resources (ASX: SYR), Sara Watts, was in The Fox Hole in Sydney’s CBD last week, to talk about her journey to the boardroom at our latest WOBMeet event.

In Conversation in Brisbane

02 Aug 2019

Sage and strategic advice was the order of the day from the experienced panel interviewed by WOB Executive Director, Claire Braund, in Brisbane last Thursday (1 August).

Aim low and the outcome is predictable

26 Jul 2019

MEDIA RELEASE:- 

The news from the AICD that Australia's top 200 ASX listed companies have failed to achieve 30% of women in board roles comes as little surprise to Women on Boards.

WOB Meets in Brisbane

22 Jul 2019

There was an excited hum in the air to kick off Brisbane’s first WOB Meet on 18 July. From first time members to long term WOBers ,everyone was looking forward to having some fun and meeting likeminded women. The venue was a cosy downstairs bar that, as one woman said, was like sitting in someone’s loungeroom and added to the convivial atmosphere.

WOB Board Vacancies Continue to Grow

22 Jul 2019

An innovative and unique service that's been provided by Women on Boards since 2006 is our Board & Committee Vacancy listing.   We are delighted to report that our Vacancies continue to grow, with WOB posting more than two and a half thousand vacancies in 2018, an increase of 164% in just 12 months.

The new way to balanced boards

09 Jul 2019

As latest reports from the UK and Australia show we still have a way to go to reach 40:40:20 gender balanced boards, but there are trends in board recruitment that are helping to move things in the right direction.

WOB Meets in WA

01 Jul 2019

A great group of WOB WA members attended the very first WOBMeet held last week at The George in Perth.  From 5pm the wild weather and rain hit. but this didn’t deter members from wading through water and traffic problems to attend the evening.

Looking at Boards through the lens of international development

24 Jun 2019

MARGIE COOK joined WoB a few months back. In January 2019 she was awarded the AO for services to the international community for the promotion of democratic electoral processes and for human rights.  She penned this article for Women on Boards. 

Seven reasons you need a solid advisory board

17 Jun 2019

Next time you pitch to an advisory board or committee, know WHY they need your skills so you can make a solid case.

24% Females in Federal Government

11 Jun 2019

​Congratulations to all the of women who stood in the Federal election to Parliament in May 2019 and to the 46 who succeeded in being elected in the House of Representatives and the 35 continuing or re-elected to the Senate. Of the 81 women, just 27 are in the Morrison Government. This means that 24% of our Federal Government representatives are female.

Director & Chair Selection: A skills mismatch

04 Jun 2019

There is a mismatch in the skills and experience boards are recruited on and those that are effective in the boardroom, according to Stanislaw Shekshnia, Senior Affiliate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Family Entrepreneurship at INSEAD.

A new direction for boards

03 Jun 2019

Board recruitment by established companies has been slow to adapt to the challenges of AI, automation, and the changing workforce, says Women on Boards Chair Ruth Medd.

WOBSX Graduate Achieves ASX Success

01 Jun 2019

Women on Boards was delighted when Jim Askew, the Chair of Syrah Resources, announced in his AGM address on 24 May 2019, that “Ms Sara Watts has consented to act as a Non-Executive Director. 

Our Game is Changing!

20 May 2019

Victoria is gearing up to implement a 40% minimum quota for female representation on sports boards, effective from 1 July 2019, while Stephanie Spence proved age is no barrier on a sports board.

WOBMeet Melbourne kicks off with a full house

06 May 2019

A chance to master the elevator pitch over duck pancakes and a glass of vino.

A funky little Melbourne wine bar called Seamstress was the venue for our inaugural WOBMeet, held last Tuesday night as an event exclusively for subscribed members.

Which party has the edge on gender in election 2019?

29 Apr 2019

The ALP is making a strong pitch to female voters in the upcoming Federal election, with Prime Ministerial hopeful, Bill Shorten, releasing the ALP's Plan for Equality last week and topping it up with his $4 billion boost for childcare on Sunday. The Liberal Party is yet to make any further announcements than the $109 million Women’s Economic Security Statement released by then Liberal Minister for Women, Kelly O'Dwyer, in November 2018.

Gender Lens on the Budget 2019 - 2020

15 Apr 2019

Against the backdrop of an imminent election, Budget 2019-20 must be read as the basis for the Government’s narrative of its vision for the nation – to be elaborated during the campaign itself. Buoyed by a lift in prices for minerals exports (which could be transitory) and hopeful assumptions about growth in wages, the grand vision appears to be yet another fistful of dollars.

Male Coalition candidates twice as likely to win as women

15 Apr 2019

Being someone who has an overdeveloped interest in politics, I have just completed the exercise of seeing how many women are standing in the upcoming Federal election on 18 May from the Liberal / National Party side of politics.

What Can Directors Earn?

01 Apr 2019

A common question we’re asked at Women on Boards is how much can a Non-Executive Director (NED) earn?  From the thousands of board vacancies we’ve posted, we know it varies depending on the type and size of organisation (e.g. not for profit, government or ASX) as well as the industry.  We’ll briefly take you through some of these.
Click here .... this article is subscribers only content. 
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Golden Skirts & Tweedy Trousers

01 Apr 2019

Graeme Samuel’s rather unfortunate public comments about the impenetrable "girls' club" in Australian boardrooms (the ‘Golden Skirts’) has conveniently taken the spotlight off the “Tweedy Trousers” club and ignored many of the real issues around Non-Executive Director recruitment.

NSW has a female Premier, but pipeline needs priming

25 Mar 2019

NSW may have elected a female Liberal leader for the first time, but the overall numbers are looking a bit grim for the Coalition Government in the Legislative Assembly when it comes to gender. If Wendy Lindsay is elected in East Hills and The Nationals retain Dubbo, then there will be 13 women sitting in the Lower House from 48 government representatives.

INSEAD IDP sets Ruth up for new board roles

18 Mar 2019

Fresh on the back of her graduation from the INSEAD International Directors Programme, Women on Boards Chair, Ruth Medd, has been appointed to two boards.

WOB welcomes Western Water

18 Mar 2019

Nicole Misurelli, Western Water’s Manager of Employee Relations and Business Transformation, knew how valuable a corporate subscription was to Women on Boards.  

WOB supports NSW Premier’s before and after school care plan

11 Mar 2019

MEDIA RELEASE
Women on Boards has welcomed the NSW Premier’s $120 million commitment to make before and after school care available to public primary schools by 2021.

Farmer and child advocate win WOB leadership scholarships

11 Mar 2019

Women on Boards has recognised the work of two NSW women working in areas of social need in awarding scholarships to its 2019 Next Generation of Female Leaders program.

Financial Gender Balance 40:40:20

08 Mar 2019

MEDIA RELEASE IWD2019 
Women on Boards has called for Australian governments and businesses to urgently prioritise closing both the gender-pay and gender-investment gaps to achieve #balanceforbetter.
 

Stand with WOB for 40:40:20

04 Mar 2019

MEDIA RELEASE

Women on Boards is using the week of International Women's Day 2019 to reiterate its call for a gender balance of 40:40:20 on boards and in leadership roles.

Take a selfie with our sign and post it on social media.

Leanne has 21 reasons to celebrate 

04 Mar 2019

Long term WOB subscriber, Leanne Heywood, has celebrated her graduation from our boutique WOBSX program in 2018 with two new ASX roles.

Mentored into a Board Role

21 Jan 2019

Gina McClement credits amazing support through the WOB mentorship program for her success in achieving a board position on Basketball NSW, which she took up on 1 January 2019. She describes this as her first active directorship and is fullsome in her praise for WOB mentor, Cheryl Hayman.
 

What I've Learnt About Being A Charity Trustee

06 Dec 2018

Gail Emerson, Women on Boards' CRM Marketing Manager, reflects on her time on as Chair of Lambeth Rathbone's board of trustees. 

This article from Gail Emerson, WOB UK, shares six learnings from her time on a Charity (Not For Profit) board in the UK.

Women on Boards announces James Spenceley as Ambassador for its WOBSX program

13 Nov 2018

Vocus founder and former CEO, James Spenceley, has been announced as the first ambassador for the Women on Boards WOBSX program, a role which will see him instrumental in the organisation’s efforts to create more opportunities for women on ASX and equivalent boards.
 

World class business school comes to Australia

22 Oct 2018

INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre (ICGC), in partnership with Women on Boards (WOB), will launch its highly acclaimed International Directors Programme (IDP) in Australia in 2019.

Mandatory quota needed for Liberal Party pre-selection

11 Sep 2018

Women on Boards (WOB) has called on the Federal Liberal Party to introduce a quota for female candidates at pre-selection and adopt a program of culture change and reform if it is to remain relevant to Australian voters.

Rain & Records | More Required

27 Aug 2018

It rained across some of parched NSW over the weekend. Welcome water from the vaporised tears of millions of Australians perhaps? Voters frustrated, angry and just plain upset over the nonsense in Parliament last week? Because not since Julia Gillard was deposed (so no need for the ALP to be smug) have we seen such acts of pure self-interest from the elected representatives in our national capital.

Get on Board

01 Aug 2018

Adding a board appointment to your CV, is a sure way to draw attendtion to your capabilities while catapulting your career up the ladder of success.

Reflections from INSEAD

25 Jun 2018

This week I was in Singapore as a member of the WOB contingent attending session one of the INSEAD International Directors Program. The group of 40 or so was extremely diverse in terms of culture, professional experience and background.

Gender lens on the 2018-2019 Federal Budget

21 May 2018

The National Foundation of Australian Women has once again put its shoulder to the wheel, expertly reviewing the Federal Budget through a gender lens.

Hillary - 'I should have watched The Apprentice'

14 May 2018

I have attended several seminars with some very inspiring women speakers ranging from Senator Penny Wong to Hillary Clinton (no bio needed) to Nicole Seebacher the 2017 NSW Young Women of the Year, and many more.  The events had some great takeaways which I thought I would share. 

Tips for ASX Success

14 May 2018

Women on Boards is increasingly being asked to assist with the recruitment of directors for ASX listed companies, as they seek to diversify the skills and expertise of their board.

Why the Influence of Women on Boards Still Lags

05 Mar 2018

The representation of women on corporate boards has risen substantially over the past
decade, but the growth rate is slowing. Meanwhile women’s power on the boards on
which they sit is often limited.
 

Victoria tops WOB poll for Government boards

05 Mar 2018

The federal and state governments are increasing the number of vacancies posted with the Women on Boards website, with Victoria the stand out state.
 

Resilience - the hidden trait

04 Feb 2018

Our experiences on the Women on Boards Next Generation of Corporate Female Leaders Program influenced the selection of our project theme. The first session held in Sydney challenged traditional leadership models and explored the more contemporary capabilities required of leaders in the future. The rapid pace of change and disruption experienced by business and increasing complexity is making it more difficult for leaders to predict and plan for future events and impacts. 

The Cassowary Caper

29 Jan 2018

Your scribe continues to visit the hot climates of northern Australia. In 2017, I wrote about what I did in my holidays in an article featuring the crocodile (a lovely pet according to ABC news item in the silly season)

Leadership of Today

22 Jan 2018

Every year the women on the WOB Next Generation of Female Leaders program undertake an action learning project. The follow story is a snippet from the report compiled and presented by one of the program syndicate groups.

The 2018 Next Generation of Female Leaders program is now enrolling.

WOB yields great dividend

15 Jan 2018

The annual survey of the positions posted with WOB finds that the number continues to grow and in 2017 close to 20 per cent of the Not for Profit entities listed with WOB continued to pay director fees.

Nine Tips of Mentoring

19 Dec 2017

Mentoring is probably the most powerful developmental process people can experience. And when it works, it develops two for the price of one. In mentoring, the relationship between mentor and mentee is all-important. In this article, WOB Director and experienced mentor, Cheryl Hayman, gives nine key tips for making the relationship work.

WOB Christmas Cheer

19 Dec 2017

Our call out for favourite traditional family Christmas recipes produced some yummy results for all to try. 

I would like to get a Non Executive Director role

01 Dec 2017

Mary-Sue Roger's top summary of the lessons learned and things you can do to help improve your chances of appointment to a NED position for a listed organisation.

Some good news…but are women still prey in a male kingdom?

17 Nov 2017

Australia’s gender equality scorecard was released today by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Some relatively good news on the pay-equity front and in relation to flexible working, but no progress in relation to the number of women in board and top leadership roles.

Win Like Winx

10 Nov 2017

Mighty racing mare,Winx, might appear to be the fastest and best, but that is because she takes the lead and is the first past the post. CLICK HERE for the full article.
By Dr Judith Chapman, November 2017

Anticipated rise in NFPs paying directors

10 Nov 2017

The WOB annual survey of the board and committee positions posted on our website will be released in December. It is anticipated that the upwards trend in those offering board members some form of remuneration will continue to rise. The figure was 18 per cent in 2016.

Ruth's Roaming

03 Nov 2017

It's been a busy time over the past couple of weeks. From the bright lights of the big cities to chocolate farming in FNQ - where awards have been won! 

Marketplace for Innovation 2018

27 Oct 2017

Two new events will be held in Q1 of 2018 for the WOB Marketplace for Innovation following on from our launch event in mid-2017 kindly hosted by AON. The format was speakers followed by table mentoring and attendees were a mix of WOB entrepreneurs and WOB members interested in early stage companies. It was a great evening with unexpected connections made and new relationships formed.

Start Early...and Go Far

27 Oct 2017

Our boards and committees event for aspiring younger directors in Melbourne this week was a roaring success. A big thank you to hosts, Mercer, and the two panellists, Jenny Taing and Michelle Di-Fabio, who provided some great advice for the audience, many of whom had not considered boards or committees this early in their career.
 

The UK and the New Reality of Gender Pay Equity

13 Oct 2017

I recently attended a seminar in London on the new mandatory reporting on gender pay.  The event was co-sponsored by Huntswood, a UK based specialist resourcing and consulting firm that focuses on governance, risk and compliance and Women on Boards UK.  The statistics were pretty amazing and alarming, and while the data and insights are from UK organisations, I am sure that the underlying results would be the same in most of the world.

CPA Today

13 Oct 2017

"If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools." – Plato

Clearly Plato was not an accountant or a member of the CPA Australia, but never let it be said that your scribe and WOB suffered this prophesy. The very public agitating of a group of members over this past year has produced some good news for CPA Australia. Nine new appointments have been made to the board.

The value of Posting a Position with WOB

06 Oct 2017

Women on Boards receives regular compliments about our Post a Position service.  In particular how it provides organisations seeking board and committee members with high quality applicants and an opportunity to particularly promote positions to women.

The good (amazing) women of South32

06 Oct 2017

This week I flew via Cairns, Gove and Darwin to Groote Eylandt as a guest of South32 – the global mining company demerged from BHP in 2015, listed on three continents and with operations across five countries. South32 is the latest corporate member of Women on Boards.

British sister marks 5 year anniversary

22 Sep 2017

Many of you know that Women on Boards established an operation in the UK in 2012 – exactly five years ago this month. If you haven’t already then jump onto our website and select WOB UK at the top left corner and have a browse. Some great articles and useful tips - as applicable here as in the UK.
 

A good news story on Victorian Government boards

15 Sep 2017

In 2016 Women on Boards put a lot of effort into encouraging members to apply for Victorian Government Boards. Clearly it worked as the figures from the Victorian Government show:

 “In 2017, women now make up 54 per cent of all Victorian health service and public hospital service board members, compared to just 45 per cent in 2015. There are now more than 400 women on Victorian hospital boards - an increase of more than 70.

The value of ‘having a go’

15 Sep 2017

Last weekend I stood on a polling booth for 10 hours handing out how to votes and seeking to convince voters to elect me as an independent to the Central Coast Council. Others, including Ruth Medd, graciously gave up all or half of their days to do the same. Many heart-warming and humourous interactions with other polling booth workers and voters made the day go relatively quickly. Our pitch was strong and we were feeling good.
 

WOB & the Girl Guides

08 Sep 2017

Regular readers will be aware of WOB’s interest in encouraging women in the earlier stage of their careers - in their 30's - to join a board. Often the response is:

  • Am I too young?
  • Do I have any skills a board would want?
The answers are 'no' then 'yes'.

Gender heard before my words

01 Sep 2017

These were the words of the current World Champion in Persuasive Speaking, Jacqueline Farrell, at the Ravenswood School for Girls last night. Speaking at an empowerment event organised by the prefect body at the school, Jacqueline (Year 12) opened with an account of what it meant to be of the female gender. “My gender is heard before my words” she told us – illustrating how through body language, vocal tone and mansplaining, men were constantly at an advantage. It might have been a useful eye opener for the young men from various private male boys schools who were part of the assembled audience of prefects, staff and parents.

Spreading the word in Singapore

25 Aug 2017

Women on Boards was pleased to be invited to the Singapore Australia High Level Women’s Dialogue on 21 August 2017. Your scribe attended as the WOB representative.

My bid for Central Coast Council

18 Aug 2017

Those of you who have attended a WOB event may have heard me describe myself as an advocate. Well it might be my biggest advocacy challenge yet if I am elected to Central Coast Council on 9th September.
 
Yes, I have decided to put my hand up at the first elections for our merged super council – formerly Wyong and Gosford - which is now the third largest in NSW. Needless to say, it will be a challenge – both to be elected and, if successful, to be one of 15 councillors in an area with 330,000 people

Director Remuneration across jurisdictions

18 Aug 2017

This week we have an interesting perspective on director remuneration, remunerating charity boards.

Ruth’s Review of 7 July 2017 canvassed why you might do this and what level of remuneration may be appropriate. But for a fuller exploration of the issues check out the ACNC report on Remuneration which also sets out some questions that a charity should consider when deciding whether or not to pay its board members; including:

World Wide WOB and the three MMMs

11 Aug 2017

When the plane trip from UK to Australia starts to drag I usually listen to the three tenors on the entertainment system. 

So, it was while enjoying the glorious sounds of Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti on my recent return trip from the UK that turn my mind turned to WOB’s three MMM’s.  That is -  the Maldives, Malta and Mongolia. 

Leading from the emerging future

11 Aug 2017

A  demanding and highly experiential leadership program to challenge the way you build skills to collaborate, co-create and co-lead.  Sounds like something the embattled companies being featured daily in the news might like to consider. 

No rest for CPA

04 Aug 2017

Having returned from a successful four weeks with the colleagues at WOB UK your scribe is now back onto the thorny matter of CPA Australia.

Firstly and most importantly, all WOB members who are CPAs are encouraged to sign the spill petition (6,000 signatures are needed) to requisition an EGM to debate a board spill and other motions. Well done to Jen Dalitz and other diligent CPA members for getting this underway.

Three WOB members on board of Indigo Junction

04 Aug 2017

Three WA-based members of Women on Boards have been appointed to Indigo Junction, a crisis housing accommodation service in Perth.

Wonder woman is not based on a true story

04 Aug 2017

My topic this week is one that has caused great controversy of late in the media. It follows the explosive ABC reports by Julia Baird and Hayley Gleeson alleging links between Christian faith, gender and family violence. Aired over two nights on ABC and followed up extensively in the media, the reports have caused churches across Australia further angst on top of the Pandora's box of opened by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Experts Advise You Seek Help

28 Jul 2017

WOB UK runs regular FTSE breakfasts for WOB members to hear from experienced directors and headhunters. Your scribe attended one recently where the guest speakers were Sue Kilsby, Chair of Shire PLC - a leading global biotechnology company focused on serving people with rare diseases - and Karin Barnick, partner at Korn Ferry.

Sue, an investment banker by profession, spoke engagingly about her FTSE career, which has seen her appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the boards of BBA Aviation PLC, Goldman Sachs International and Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. Great tips for those in the audience.

Karin then spoke about the head hunter scene in London which revealed that, as expected, the top headhunters in London take much the same approach as their Australian counterparts. She provided some interesting data on FTSE 350 boards.

When 'Independence' fuels dysfunction

28 Jul 2017

Alex Malley's ears might have been burning again this week if they were not already scorched off by the roasting he has received in relation to his tenure as CEO of CPA Australia. He was the exclusive case study of Peter Swan AO FSSA, Emeritus Professor the Unviersity of NSW Business School, in his address to a joint Women on Boards / Clayton Utz lunch helpfully titled "Cult of the CEO: CPA Australia and how its non-standards helps generate ASX governance dysfunction".

Gender Pay Gap in the UK

21 Jul 2017

In November 2014 the UK Office of National Statistics published a report revealing that in the year to April 2014, the gender pay gap for all employees stood at 19.1%, down from 19.8% in 2013. The gap has also decreased in the long-term, from 27.5% in 1997.  Despite the decrease in the pay gap, the rate of progress is widely-considered to be too slow. 

The ABC of time on a board

21 Jul 2017

This week I was a guest on Philip Clark's Nightlife program on ABC Radio. For 48 minutes Dr Alison Gaines, General Manager Asia Pacific at Gerard Daniels and Chairman of the Murdoch University Foundation, and I discussed the various responsibilities of boards, how they are constituted and the work involved.

What to pay a Not-for-Profit director

07 Jul 2017

WOB is regularly asked about director remuneration. Most often the question is what should a Not-for-Profit (NFP) pay its directors? This usually occurs as the board readies itself to pay their appointed members.   
 
Most Not-for-Profits do not remunerate their directors. However, those that are running a business with staff and resources are increasingly likely to do so.
 
There are a number of surveys done annually on this topic. Some are publicly available and others require payment. WOBs posted vacancies is a perfect regime for surveying remuneration trends. As such we have collected data over many years.  
 

Maximising Board Success

29 Jun 2017

Developing your board career is a matter of persistence and vigilance. You never know when your ideal opportunity will appear. WOB regularly does search assignments for companies seeking Non-Executive-Directors. Often these are paid roles on interesting boards, well suited to some WOB subscribers. 

WOB welcomes INSEAD

29 Jun 2017

Women on Boards is proud to be partnering with leading graduate school, INSEAD, to offer its International Director's Program to WOB subscribers. Offered the opportunity early in 2017, WOB Directors understood the immediate value this program would provide to those women seeking to upgrade their international governance qualification.
 

CPA celebrates EOFY with ‘Own Goals’

23 Jun 2017

No-one likes it when their team kicks its own goal. Indeed, journalists and commentators often engage in hot debate about which is the worst ‘own goal’ across the many sports codes. However, there is little doubt that as we approach the end of the financial year, that CPA Australia has taken the prize for the most own goals scored in the shortest period of time in corporate history. 
 

It’s a boy’s club – back off!

23 Jun 2017

This was the advice given by a team of senior men to a woman at a financial services firm who was trying to make some changes to the 'business as usual' approach her colleagues seemed to enjoy. Apparently change was not on the agenda. The anecdote was recounted to the 32 women taking part in the 2017 WOB Next Generation of Corporate Female Leaders program in Sydney this week. Heads nodded.

Faith Based Boards

16 Jun 2017

A recent column commented on the rise of postings of faith based postings with WOB.
 
The Uniting Church (UC) has posted with WOB over many years. So WOB is delighted that the UC has begun a formal partnership with us to assist with their governance, leadership and diversity objectives. 

Beyond Gender

16 Jun 2017

The trend towards engaging men on gender equality might have more benefits that first realised. Over the past two years we have been moving to a new paradigm around men 'owning the problems of gender inequality' as highlighted in a timely new Diversity Council Australia report titled Men Make a Difference: Engaging Men on Gender Equality.

WOB members support CPA reform

09 Jun 2017

The trials and tribulations at CPA Australia continue apace, with fresh revelations today that this week the NSW Government is threatening to deregister it as a professional standards body. This is principally because the loss-making business championed by CEO Alex Malley, CPA Australia Advice, competes with the members of CPA Australia.

Coupled with the resignations of Kerry Ryan and Richard Alston from the board and the very public renouncing of membership by David Murray, it’s been a tough week.  

WOB not afraid to speak

02 Jun 2017

CPA Australia has released the individual director and CEO remuneration details; plus other information in response to membership questions. They have finally done the right thing by their members with regard to remuneration disclosure. 

Staying in Wonderland

02 Jun 2017

"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more." (The Matrix)

Was the film, The Red Pill, as controversial and anti-women as I had been led to expect?  

The Red Pill Beckons

26 May 2017

Tomorrow I am going to a screening of American documentary film by feminist, Cassie Jaye, that explores the men's rights movement.

Be Prepared for Your Marketplace

26 May 2017

Last week’s item on the ASX company for which WOB is doing a board search was the subject of a lot of attention. It certainly kept my inbox full!
 
For some WOBers it was a case of putting their hat into the ring for the role, despite the realisation they had little chance of success. This is not a bad thing. It was heartening to us that the ASX position inspired them to action.

Recruiting for ASX

19 May 2017

The types of vacancies posted with WOB vary widely across organisations and sectors. Increasingly ASX companies are coming our way as they realise WOB offers a unique database of aspirant (and often not well known) women with the skills and experience to fill board roles. This is good news for WOB subscribers seeking an initial or their next ASX board. 

Brave new world

19 May 2017

Robots joining unions, data for sale on the dark net, skewed algorithms for NDIS avatars ... we discussed it all at the WOB Director's Circle in Sydney on 18 May ... and more besides.

Budget brickbats and bouquets

12 May 2017

Australia has not had a Women's Budget Statement since it was dropped in 2014 by then Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Tony Abbott. While many felt it was insufficiently resourced the principal around the statement was important. 

Why do we need a women's budget statement? Surely the budget impacts equally on men as well as women?
 

Live from Canberra

12 May 2017

Budget week in Canberra is fun – if hectic.
 
Your scribe was at Parliament House on budget night to listen to the Treasurer's budget speech. This was followed by the NFAW Gender Lens conference call where the assembled experts gave their first impressions of the impact of the budget on women.
 

The right thing to do

05 May 2017

Word on the street is that there are CPA members who are concerned about the governance of their respected body, but feel they cannot speak publicly.  Women on Boards has a history of calling out the laggards and will continue to do so. Your scribe is a CPA member of some 30+ years.

To quota or not to quota

05 May 2017

I have been asked about my stance on gender quotas many times. This week I was asked again on the back of comments made by former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, during his regular spot on 2GB on Monday (1 May 2017).

WOB: A great network

28 Apr 2017

Women on Boards is a global network of some 40,000+ women who largely work on the principle of reciprocity. We work to underpin this approach with a wide range of development offerings.
 

Making a Difference

28 Apr 2017

Today WOB attended the Lifeline Steel Magnolia Awards on the NSW Central Coast. Six finalists in an award that recognises a woman who overcame, who lifted herself up and who did something for others.

A matter of governance

21 Apr 2017

Not for Profit organisations range from small bodies or local service providers in areas such as disability and transport, to significant enterprises registered as unlisted companies limited by guarantee, such as CPA Australia (CPAA). 
 

Start-up for flexibility

21 Apr 2017

It is always useful to remind myself that Women on Boards was once a start-up. An idea that had its genesis back in 2001, tested the market until 2005 and formed in 2006. At the time Ruth and I founded WOB, I had an eight month old daugther, was working from our first (tiny) home on the Central Coast of NSW and thinking how, at 35 years of age, I might seek to make a difference for women.

What you know not what you do

07 Apr 2017

Some of you may have seen that the Minister for Communications has announced the demise of the Catalyst Australian Arts and Culture Fund.

‘The Government has announced that the majority of funds from Catalyst will be transferred to the Australia Council from 1 July 2017.’

First my declaration. Your scribe is an independent assessor for this program. And it’s a (tiny $) paid gig.

The background is that a previous Minister for the Arts carved out some funding for projects not typically funded by the Australia Council; the established federal government funding body for the arts.  

The Hay Times

07 Apr 2017

There is no doubt that being born of the land gives you a tenacity that stands you in good stead throughout your life. I was reminded of this again on two occasions this week; at the 2017 NSW Rural Women's Award gala dinner at Parliament House and, in an address I gave to the Sydney Hills Business Chamber.
 

Shining a light on boards for under 35s

31 Mar 2017

You may have noticed WOB has an ever-increasing number of board and committee positions available. As of 31 March 2017 there are 70 current vacancies. To date we have received 250 positions posted since 1 January 2017 - many with multiple positions available.

George unlikely to get #nakedforchange

31 Mar 2017

This week I noticed a few amusing news items come across my desk. BKindred founder, Penny Locaso, delivered a keynote presentation in a swimsuit, George Brandis told Parliament that being called a white man" was “deeply offensive and insulting" and a UK national newspaper asked readers whether the British or Scottish Prime Minister had better legs?

Quotas for Australian Honours

24 Mar 2017

Being awarded an Australian Honour is highly regarded and signals your contribution to your profession, industry or cause. As is the case on governing bodies, women are under-represented in the Australian Honours awarded on the occasions of Australia Day and Queen's Birthday. 

Women up in lights

24 Mar 2017

Do you think the move to include female pedestrian signals is a positive addition to the City of Melbourne?

BDI Strategy and Tactics

17 Mar 2017

International Women's Day is now behind us and we there are some items worthy of note.

  • Gear up Girls was a great success, organised by the very capable crew at Bicycle NSW, who as it happens are seeking a board member (ID4834). 
  • The winner of the 2017 TAP Gallery IWD art prize was Debbie Nankervis with her work titled Sister Cities. WOB previously sponsored this prize and I have taken this on personally.
  • The AFR BOSS article of 6th March 2017 which featured an interview with Ruth and Claire received many compliments. Thank you.

Dead men and the 'Daughters of Henry Wong'

10 Mar 2017

International Women’s Day is all about us as women. So make sure everyone notices.  Women on Boards has been doing its bit – Claire in the OzHarvest CEO Cookoff, Ruth taking part in the Gear up Girls bike ride and donating to the TAP Gallery IWD Art Prize.

We Are Women

10 Mar 2017

Had another coffee this week with my male friend - he from my previous article 'Coffee chats in the diverse, digital and dichotomous world of 2016' about International Women's Day. He told me that he listened to the radio until 12noon on Wednesday 8 March and then had to turn it off as it all 'became a bit much.' What became a bit much you may ask?

Safety First

02 Mar 2017

WOB believes that there is a board for everyone at all stages of your career journey. So don’t be hesitant in applying for a role. WOB is here to help!

Stop Fixing Women

02 Mar 2017

The title of Catherine Fox's latest book is meant to be as provocative as it reads. For too long we have focussed on blaming women rather than shifting the system.

  • A system built and designed by white anglo-saxon men to benefit white anglo saxon men.
  • A system that normalises white anglo-saxon male behaviours across government, business and society.
  • A system that says because we legislate for equality we will get equity.
​Catherine's new book looks at why the system needs to flex to accommodate differences between men and women and the way they work and lead. Rather than endlessly work on the women to adapt to and benefit from a system we had little hand in creating.

Gear up Girl 2017

24 Feb 2017

Yours truly was delighted to be invited to become an ambassador for the 2017 Gear up Girl, the annual community bike ride of Bicycle NSW and the Heart Foundation. 

‘The ride shows off some of Sydney’s most spectacular separated cycle ways. Starting at Sydney Olympic Park and finishing in a festival atmosphere at Cronulla Beach. With 20km, 40km and 60km options; there is a ride to suit you and all your friends.’

​A League of Extraordinary Women

24 Feb 2017

This week I was in Brisbane presenting one of our 'get to know WOB information evenings.' Another great crowd of professional, skilled and diverse women with so much to offer our organisations. Just like the women in Sydney and Melbourne last week - and so it goes, in every city, every year. 

More on Government Boards

17 Feb 2017

This column has previously canvassed the desirability of including a government board in your portfolio of career activities.

Take care not to legitimise bias

17 Feb 2017

The news today that the Law Council of Australia will roll out a program of unconscious bias training for barristers and law firms, raises more questions than it answers. Universally acclaimed as the new thing in training three or four years ago, there is little evidence to show this approach has reduced the outcome of biases in the workplace - for example, closing the gender pay gap or leading to a significant improvement in the number of women in top leadership roles.

Beyond Boards and CVs

10 Feb 2017

WOB is a movement for change. It has been this since the original idea was broached. We went where others did not tread. We are enthusiastically ‘on the job’ after 10 years.   

Women's rights - not as safe as we assume.

10 Feb 2017

We often assume that women's rights, like wine, will mature and improve over time. The truth is that both are influenced by many factors and require significant effort, commitment and financial investment to achieve and maintain.

Focus on Government Boards

03 Feb 2017

Women on Boards has a track record of working with Governments who are actively seeking to increase the representation of females on their boards and committees. We also lobby others who should be doing more - Western Australia comes to mind.

It's the little things that count

03 Feb 2017

It has been something of a rough start to the year. From the tragedy in Melbourne to Trump's executive orders on abortion, refugees and trade, it seems hard to make sense of the world we live in at the moment.

On the shoulders of others

09 Dec 2016

Occasional address by Claire Braund at the 121st Speech Day of the New England Girls’ School, Armidale NSW on 7th December 2016.

The Crocodile Times

09 Dec 2016

​Your scribe continues to visit hot climes. This past week it’s been Mission Beach, Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.  All at 35 degrees but with little wind, unlike the biking expedition in South Australia in November.

Growing Number of Not For Profits Pay Directors

02 Dec 2016

The annual survey of the positions posted with Women on Boards 2016 has found that close to 20 per cent of the Not For Profit entities pay director fees
 
The survey of positions posted from 1 January until the end of November 2016, found that of the board vacancies posted on our website in the categories of Charity/NFP; Foundation / Trust and Sporting Body in 2016:

Leadership skills: Now and for the future

02 Dec 2016

We came to the end of our 'Leadership in Focus' series at WOB this week. The public interface of our highly successful Next Generation of Corporate Female Leaders program, the series gives voice to the reports and presentations on leadership that each syndicate is required to produce.

Coffee chats in the diverse, digital and dichotomous world of 2016

25 Nov 2016

I have an interesting and ongoing conversation with a male friend of mine about older white men being increasingly marginalised by the rise of feminine power in Australia and the wider world. As all of our work at WOB is focussed on building the capacity of women to lead and affect change, it made me reflect on our purpose and if we need to talk about the elephants in the room. Men!

Action needed on world class dataset

18 Nov 2016

Australia has a first in class dataset on gendered workforce employment.  To give you a sense of the scale of this dataset, in 2016 more than 12,000 employers provided a gendered break down of their workforce of more than four million employees. That's a lot of numbers to be crunched by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) which this week released its third Gender Equality Scorecard

Pathway to success with WOB

18 Nov 2016

There are many pathways to the boardroom and some of them are longer and more circuitous than others. Few aspirant non-executive-directors (male or female) will leave a role and leap onto boards in short order. Many hedge their bets, starting earlier in their career by combining boards with executive roles or establishing a portfolio career of boards plus consultancy/advisory activities. 

US accepts a flawed man, but not a flawed woman

11 Nov 2016

The world's top job once again goes to a white anglo-saxon man. This time it also goes to a man who has a history of treating women like something he scraped off the bottom of his shoe. A man who has bragged about "grabbing women by the pussy" and said we should be "punished for having abortions."

The tough job of being a female CEO

04 Nov 2016

Are female CEOs and political leaders more likely to be handed a poisoned chalice and then their gender used to blame them when they fail?

An option for improving Australia's Paid Parental Leave scheme that doesn't attack 'double dippers'

28 Oct 2016

The Coalition Government is pushing legislation through the Senate to end "double dipping" by new mothers who receive paid maternity leave from their employers as well as from the government through the Paid Parental Leave scheme, with the changes to potentially take effect as early as January 2017.

The move has come up against significant public backlash, with the Opposition predicting around 80,000 new mothers could lose up to $12,000 in such payments every year, including thousands who are already pregnant.

Earlier this week Women's Agenda published a proposal WOB took to the Federal Government on paid parental leave in 2015. WOB believes it's a solution that's fairer across the long term and will ultimately provide more mothers with the 26 weeks paid leave that will help them bond with their babies and return to work. It also aims to give fathers and partners access to more paid leave, AND to achieve some of the significant savings needed.

Boardlinks needs better balance

29 Sep 2016

The Liberal Government has not covered itself in glory when it comes to promoting women into leadership roles and its latest efforts with regard to Government boards and committees are lacklustre to say the least.

Sportswomen win gold, but still paid in bronze

15 Sep 2016

An update on a report into the gender metrics in global sport has found the huge pay gap in many sports played by both men and women is not likely to close anytime soon. This is despite a concerted push by many global sportswomen to be rewarded equally to their male counterparts.

Download the 2016 Gender Balance in Global Sport Report

​Do we think men are really going to solve the Liberal problem? No evidence to date.

07 Sep 2016

The recently released 10 year plan to have 50 per cent female Liberal MPs by 2025 through "mentoring" via a Male Champions of Change initiative is a bit pie in the sky to say the least.It is also top down and very old school in its approach. 

WOB member and Google Executive appointed to board of ASX company

07 Sep 2016

Women on Boards is delighted to announce the appointment of innovation and digital transformation executive and Women on Boards member, Susan Wheeldon-Steele, to the board of ASX listed, Centuria Capital (CNI).

Parties close – but not on gender

21 Jun 2016

Analysis by Women on Boards shows that 45.3 per cent of the candidates standing for election for the ALP are female, compared with 28.6 per cent for the Coalition. The Greens are the most gender balanced on 50 per cent with the Xenophon Party at 33.3 per cent.
 

Be Prepared

17 Feb 2016

Weekly postings of board vacancies are tracking upwards as organisations emerge from the holiday period. To date, some 90 new boards and committees have been listed with WOB. Many of these offer multiple board seats. This week NSW government vacancies have returned. 

Women on Boards supports Xenophon bill for gender balance on Government boards

29 Jul 2015

Women on Boards has backed Senator Nick Xenophon's bill to mandate gender balance on Australian Government Boards and Committees.

Numbers Matter in Politics

10 Apr 2015

I recently posted on Linked In that it was good to see media reporting on the number of men and women appointed to Parliament in the recent NSW election, but sad to see only 30% female MPs, with 23 per cent in the governing Coalition. A comment on the post implied we should not measure the success of women by their number in politics as the selection process is flawed, but then went on to say we are very fortunate as women in Australia to have Julia Bishop as a role model. Emphasis on the singular. While Ms Bishop is an excellent role model (as was Julia Gillard, Amanda Vanstone and others before her) it bears remembering that she is only one of two women in a cabinet of 19 - giving a shade over 10 per cent female representation.

All except Government trending to greater gender balance on boards

16 Mar 2015

In the 2015 edition of the Boardroom Diversity Index Women on Boards evaluated 1422 organisations from more than 10 sectors

Australian Government indicates it wants to wind back gender reporting

16 Jan 2015

A Department of Employment report into the summary of consultations for Workplace Gender Equality Reporting is a flawed document that misrepresents support for the initiative.

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